Lessons from the Danish Ban on Antimicrobial Growth Promoters

The purpose of this report is to analyze the Danish ban on antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) in order to conclude suggestions for stakeholders in the US to similarly restrict AGPs from the meat supply chain. The analysis includes: 1) a description of the Danish pork industry; 2) the application of veterinary medicine in Danish foods; 3) a review of the stakeholders behind the ban; 4) an assessment of the effects of the ban on antimicrobial consumption and productivity; 5) the US meat industry’s response to the Danish example; 6) a counter to the US meat industry’s arguments; and concludes with 7) some suggestions for stakeholder strategies that could support a similar restriction on AGPs in the US.