ANTIBIOTICS
Like humans, animals occasionally need medical intervention in order to combat infections or other illnesses. Veterinary medications, such as antibiotics, are available to dairy farmers by veterinary prescription only. Where they are used, specific withdrawal periods are designated to ensure that milk from antibiotic-treated cows does not enter the food chain.
No. By law, milk and dairy products sold commercially in South Africa should be free from antibiotic substances. The Milk and Dairy Products Regulations prohibit the sale of raw milk with antibiotics or other antimicrobial substances. In addition, cows that have been treated with antibiotics must be excluded from the milk supply for a specific period. The Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act No. 54 of 1977 addresses the health issues of dairy products, including the presence of antibiotics. Milk is routinely tested for antibiotic residues to ensure the safety of the milk supply.