Codex Guidelines for Organic Livestock

GENEVA - Jul 6/01 - STAT -- Guidelines for producing organic livestock were developed at the latest meeting of the Codex Alimentarius Commission here this week.

According to these guidelines, organic livestock farming should aim to use natural breeding methods, minimize stress in animals, prevent disease, and progressively eliminate the use of certain chemical veterinary drugs, including antibiotics.

Animals should mainly be fed with high quality organic feed, not meat and bone meal, although fish and milk products are acceptable. The use of growth hormones is not permitted.

The Commission adopted a strategic framework that places greater emphasis on food safety issues in developing countries. Members welcomed efforts to enable developing countries to build their own food quality and safety systems.

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