Bahrain Implements Stricter Regulations on Veterinary Pharmaceuticals

The Minister of Municipalities and Agriculture has issued a new decree regulating the import, distribution, and use of veterinary pharmaceuticals in the poultry and food-producing animal sectors.

The decree prohibits the import, distribution, and use of certain veterinary pharmaceuticals by entities involved in poultry and food-producing animal industries. This ban specifically includes growth-promoting antibiotics and antibacterial agents.

The use and distribution of the specified veterinary pharmaceuticals will be subject to several restrictions and controls. Crucially, the decree mandates that the dispensing of veterinary pharmaceuticals can only occur with a prescription issued by a licensed veterinarian in Bahrain.

The prescription must clearly state the veterinarian's name, address, signature, and the date of issuance. Moreover, veterinary pharmacies are required to maintain a detailed register documenting the quantities of veterinary pharmaceuticals received and dispensed.

This register must include the name of the prescribing veterinarian and the date of dispensing. Prescriptions must be retained by the pharmacy for one year from the date of dispensing, with the pharmacist's endorsement.

The decree's fifth article specifies that violations of its provisions will be subject to the penalties outlined in Law No. (19) of 2014 concerning veterinary pharmaceuticals within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The new regulations aim to enhance food safety and animal health within Bahrain.