Most of our generic drugs are produced in India. Although there is good quality control, and the medications are evaluated by the FDA, the environmental laws in India are much less strict than here.
To evaluate the effects of antibiotic production, researchers collected 28 water samples from the direct and greater environment of bulk drug manufacturing facilities in South India.
The found over 15 different antibiotics, some in concentrations over 950,000 allowed in the US; and many over 20 times the amount one would find in therapeutic blood levels.
Although tap water from the villages did not contain the antibiotics, some actually contained bacteria. There was a high incidence of antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria in that region.
My daughter Carolyn shops at Whole Foods because she says they ensure their suppliers not only produce real organic food; but also follow proper farming techniques. Drug companies should do the same to help prevent emergence of highly resistant bacteria!
Lübbert C et al., Infection 2017 Apr 26
But that might decrease their bottom line - and what really is more important. Just ask our chief executive, "coal burning man".
No comments:
Post a Comment