DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 91

: Chloramphenicol is banned from use in all food-producing animals, including those in aquaculture, regardless of the route of administration.
: The ban is due to the public health danger from high levels of chloramphenicol residues in meat, milk, and eggs that may cause aplastic anemia and promote antibiotic resistance among human pathogens.
: The registration of chloramphenicol products for use in food-producing animals is withdrawn, and future registration applications for similar uses shall be disapproved.
: All concerned personnel are instructed to implement the ban and to educate the public on the reasons for the ban.
: Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic used for life-threatening infections in humans and should be used only by physician's prescription after a sound diagnosis.
: Chloramphenicol residues can build up in animal tissues and ingested by humans, posing an uncertain risk since there is no established safe residue level and may cause fatal conditions like aplastic anemia.
: It may lead to altered microbial ecology with increased chloramphenicol resistance among human pathogens.
: The joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives has not recommended an acceptable residue level for chloramphenicol in food.
: The Subcommittee determined the public health danger posed by chloramphenicol residues in food-producing animals and recommended the prohibition of its use for such purposes.