Probiotic feeds down under

Australians could soon be eating 'healthier' chickens after the government approved BioPlus 2B, a natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters for piglets and chickens.

On 3 October the National Registration Authority (NRA), the federal government's regulator of agricultural and veterinary chemicals, approved BioPlus 2B for release into the Australian market.

The product was developed in response to widespread public concern that the regular practice by farmers of adding antibiotics to animal feed could lead to humans becoming immune to certain crucial drugs.

Approval for BioPlus 2B was granted by a variety of regulatory bodies to include the Therapeutic Goods Administration, the National Occupational Health and Safety Committee, and the Environment Australia.

The registration process for BioPlus 2B was extremely rigorous, with approval having to be granted by many regulatory bodies including the Therapeutic Goods Administration, the National Occupational Health and Safety Committee, and Environment Australia. Their approval means consumers can rest assured the product is safe for humans.

BioPlus 2B is a probiotic feed additive supplied by ingredients company Chr. Hansen.​