WASHINGTON — Senate leaders were urged by the Coalition of Agricultural Trade Associations to oppose attaching S. 619, the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (P.A.M.T.A.) of 2009 to S. 510, the F.D.A. Food Safety Modernization Act, during mark-up on Nov. 18. The American Meat Institute joined the coalition as a signatory to the letter.

The coalition stated that antibiotics, "when judiciously and professionally used, are vital tools for veterinarians, livestock and poultry producers to maintain animal health and welfare and safeguard our food supply," in a letter sent to Chairman Tom Harkin (Iowa) and Ranking Member Michael Enzi (Wyo.) of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (H.E.L.P.) Committee.

The coalition of animal and animal feed associations is led by the Animal Health Institute (AHI).

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