The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has apparently prevailed in proceedings seeking injunctive relief against two New Mexico dairies that “were not keeping adequate medication records to prevent unsafe drug residues in cattle offered for slaughter” and “were using medications for unapproved indications not specified on the drug label” without a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship. The companies, Do-Rene and Clover Knolls Dairies, were warned about these violations in 2005 and 2008 following inspections and tissue sampling. Apparently, some of the dairies’ cows tested positive for illegal levels of a number of drugs, including one “expressly forbidden for use in lactating cows.” According to FDA, “These residues may cause allergic reactions in extremely sensitive individuals, and they may contribute to forming antibiotic-resistance in bacteria.” Future violations may result in civil or criminal penalties. See FDA Press Release,
January 2, 2009.

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For decades, manufacturers, distributors and retailers at every link in the food chain have come to Shook, Hardy & Bacon to partner with a legal team that understands the issues they face in today's evolving food production industry. Shook attorneys work with some of the world's largest food, beverage and agribusiness companies to establish preventative measures, conduct internal audits, develop public relations strategies, and advance tort reform initiatives.

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