Chewy is breaking the law by selling unapproved antibiotics, FDA warns
Published: 13:14 14 Dec 2023 EST
Chewy and eight other companies have been warned that it is violating federal law by selling or making unapproved antibiotics for animals that regulators fear could contribute to the growth of so-called drug-resistant superbugs.
The Food and Drug Administration sent letters to the companies on Thursday warning them against selling products that contain the antibiotics amoxicillin and penicillin, according to reports.
The products in question include Aqua-Mox, Aqua-Zithro, Doxycycline and Fishbiotic, which are marketed as treatments for what are called “minor species” like birds and fish. The drugs in these products have not been approved, however, they are also not listed on the FDA’s index for unapproved animal drugs for minor species.
"Inappropriate use of medically important antimicrobials contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance, which affects both human and animal health," Tracey Forfa, director of the FDA's veterinary medicine center, said in a statement.
The FDA has previously warned against the overuse of antibiotics contributing to the growth of antimicrobial-resistant microbes, which could cause microorganisms to evolve into superbugs.
Consumers who have purchased these products should safely dispose of them, the FDA added.
