What is the primary public health reason for implementing a zero-tolerance policy for inhibitory substances (e.g., antibiotics) in bulk tank milk, beyond economic penalties for the producer?

The primary public health reason for implementing a zero-tolerance policy for inhibitory substances, such as antibiotics, in bulk tank milk is to prevent and mitigate the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Inhibitory substances are chemical compounds that suppress or stop the growth of microorganisms; antibiotics are a common type used to kill or inhibit bacterial growth. A zero-tolerance policy means that any detectable amount of these substances in the milk is unacceptable, leading to immediate rejection of the product.