To prevent development of drug-resistant bacteria that could infect people, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended that livestock farmers use drugs solely to cure or prevent disease in animals, phasing out their use to promote growth. The FDA said research showed mixing antibiotics in livestock rations or feedlot water supplies "is not in the interest of protecting or promoting public health." Over-the-counter antibiotics have been routinely used for decades to promote livestock growth and feed efficiency. - 1only