A coalition of agricultural organizations sent a letter to Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY) making the case for antibiotic use in livestock and poultry production.  The coalition reminded Slaughter of the stringent federal approval process and regulation of antibiotics, the lack of human health risks from their judicious use in livestock production and the benefits they offer in food animal production.  Slaughter has asked food companies to send her their purchasing policies related to antibiotic use in food animals. She has introduced H.R. 965, which would ban the use of several classes of antibiotics employed for prevention, control and growth promotion in livestock.  The coalition members include the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Feed Industry Association, American Meat Institute, Animal Health Institute, American Veterinary Medical Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Chicken Council, National Milk Federation, National Pork Producers Council, National Meat Association and the National Turkey Federation.