In America, as fast food gets faster and the prices get cheaper, we are almost forced to question how. How is it that we are able to produce and sell that much for so little? As times change so does the food industry. Now it is more common for the average consumer to go to the grocery store and purchase produce that has been altered and enhanced rather than the natural organic ones. Animals are now being fed or injected with antibiotics in order to increase their mass by 4-5% and extend their shelf life. By increasing their mass, farmers are increasing their income by selling more for the pound. This only benefits those who profit off of poultry production and it is actually resulted to be harmful to the animal itself and to the ones that consume it. Antibiotics are a prescribed medicine with a more heavy dosage that is used to treat illnesses and kill micro-organisms.
The use of antibiotics in animals was first approved by the FDA for the purpose of animal safety. It is true that antibiotics help treat and prevent illnesses in livestock and has extended their lifespan, but it has also proven to form bacteria in their bodies leading to antibiotic resistant strain diseases in those that consume it. A post from CMAJ reads, “intensive animal production involves giving livestock animals large quantities of antibiotics to promote growth and prevent infection. These uses promote the selection of antibiotic resistance in bacterial populations. The resistant bacteria from agricultural environments may be transmitted to humans, in whom they cause disease that cannot be treated by conventional antibiotics,” meaning in the end, we are consuming antibiotics and we are now also building a resistance against them. If we get sick and need antibiotics for treatment, it may prove to be inconsistent and not cure the illness since our bodies have become immune to it.
We can end the cycle and protect our bodies by simply supporting and buying produce labeled as “organic” or “natural.” Actually read the labels of what you are buying. Although it can often be quite confusing below is a chart that can be used to help decipher the terminology provided by a spokesperson from the USDA published in consumers report.
Courtesy of consumer reports
It all starts and ends with consumers. If we support and purchase only non-antibiotic raised poultry, it can spark change in the long term. Voice your thoughts and expand your knowledge on how we can break this unnecessary form of food production.