For over three decades, concerns have been raised about the widespread use of antibiotics in meat production. Farmers often give antibiotics to animals to speed up their growth and prepare them for slaughter. Consequently, you’ve probably been consuming antibiotic-laced meats throughout your life. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a program to gradually eliminate the use of antibiotics for animal weight gain. However, questions have been raised about whether the program will be enforced strictly enough to affect food safety.
Why the concerns with antibiotics in meat?
Antibiotics are often used to fatten up animals before slaughter. This practice has led to a growing public health concern because it has been linked to the development of antibiotic-resistant infections. There were two million cases of drug-resistant infections in the United States last year alone, and research indicates that more than 60 US citizens die every day due to these infections.
Antibiotics are also used to control and prevent disease within livestock populations. Nonetheless, the subject remains controversial, with critics arguing that antibiotics should only be administered when prescribed by a veterinarian to treat specific animal health issues. Otherwise, there is potential for an antibiotic loophole for agriculture companies to exploit.
A step towards banning antibiotics in animal agriculture?
Dr. Stuart B. Levy, a longstanding FDA critic, believes that the new policy represents a significant step towards banning the use of antibiotics in animals. Levy, who is also the president of the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics, told The New York Times that this policy change is the “biggest step that’s been taken in the last 30 years.”
Despite this positive outlook, it is essential to note that the FDA will still permit antibiotics to be given to animals to prevent disease. Dr. Keeve Nachman, a researcher with the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, asserts that this caveat might create an antibiotic loophole for agricultural companies to exploit.
Making informed choices as a consumer
As a consumer, what can you do to protect yourself and your family from exposure to antibiotics in meat products? Here are a few tips:
- Choose organic: Organic meats are produced without the use of antibiotics, providing a safer alternative for those concerned about this issue.
