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On December 22, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) quietly posted a notice in the Federal Register that it was effectively reneging on its plan to reduce the use of antibiotics in agricultural animal feed – a plan it has been touting since 1977.
Now, with virtually no public announcement, the FDA has decided it will continue to allow livestock producers to use the drugs in feed, unabated; a move that is threatening food safety by contributing to the spread of new, antibiotic-resistant "super-germs."
I find it interesting that antibiotics are used to increase growth in animals. It stands to reason that antibiotic use and gut flora in humans is also a major cause of obesity.
If you didn't invest in organic, pasture-fed meats before, this may make you reconsider. Unfortunately, even organic livestock (and people!) may eat crops fertilized with antibiotic-laden animal manure. If there was ever a question about the emergence of MRSA in our society, it seems we have an answer. Depressing.
Zizzle, my exact thoughts. Tex addressed my concerns about commercial fertilizers, weed killers on hay fields and run-off water. (Which can be controlled by not leasing the hay fields or lease agreement stipulation on products used - which may be a lease deal-breaker, creating need for different Ag exemption.)
However, cattle raised nearby and uphill may produce "antibiotic-laden animal manure" in run-off water to garden and area disignated for freezer beef and free-range chickens/eggs. Again, I may be over-analyzing, but there's also public concerns in north TX about increased illness in areas of gas wells. Pick ur poison. BTW, for years I've washed all fruits and veggies in a solution of water, vinegar and table salt followed by a water rinse. (Ever wonder about the availability of bathroom facilities to workers in a large field of veggies at harvest time?)
Brenda
It is important to be able to sacrifice what we are for what we can become.
unk
Zizzle wrote:a plan it has been touting since 1977
Well, at least no one can accuse them of acting in haste. The FDA really takes care of business, don't they. I don't understand why the congress keeps voting more money for them - they never utilize it for any public benefit. I guess it must just go into their pockets.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Brenda wrote:(Ever wonder about the availability of bathroom facilities to workers in a large field of veggies at harvest time?)
Mandatory facilities, (Porta Potties, and separate facilities for washing, and drinking water, etc.), within convenient walking distance of field workers, have been required by law, for probably at least a decade, by now. I don't remember exactly when that law went into effect - it may have been in effect much longer than that, but those facilities are definitely required by law. That applies to all field workers, and it's required of all employers of ag workers, not just those working in vegetable crops.
The problem is, you're still correct - you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. Likewise, you can provide all the sanitary facilities you want, but you can't force some workers to use them, in every situation.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
I'm currently reading Eating Animals,by Jonathan Safran Foer. So far, pretty enlightening. But confirms my suspicion that most "organic"/"free range" etc. labeling on meat and poultry is not to be trusted. Have to do some real thinking about where I need to be buying my meat.
I have had The Omnivore's Dilemma on my bookshelf for some time, but haven't read it yet, nor have I seen Food Inc.
Prior to MC, I was really trying to move our eating away from meat/poultry, but having MC, and having to limit other foods, I'm having to eat a pretty protein-heavy diet. Maybe, down the road, I will be able to shift the diet ratio away from meat, but not now.
Next summer, my neighbor and I are splitting a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share at a local farm, which is offering this program for the first time. Hoping, in that way, to limit how many times my produce is handled.
I found this website that has links to help you find a local grass-fed grower. Click on the "A direct link to local farms" link and then select your state. I guess if you really want to know where your food comes from you should go to the farm. (Connie and Marliss - there is a funny Portlandia episode about that.)
Brenda,
They also tell you there where each farmer sells "at a farmer's market near you". The farms are difficult for me to get to, but I know where to go to get the meat I want.
Gabby - thanks so much for the link. I have realized over the past few months that I can not tolerate chicken which is not organic... and then of course some "organic" brands still make me ill. In 2004, I went to Brazil on a cultural/professional exchange I was shown the operations of a slaughter house. I have not eaten red meat since. One day all of the information on this site will have to be compiled into a book, so that new people being diagnosed can have infinitely more hope after they leave their Drs. offices. This site is such a powerful tool and an incredible lifeline.
Judy wrote:One day all of the information on this site will have to be compiled into a book, so that new people being diagnosed can have infinitely more hope after they leave their Drs. offices. This site is such a powerful tool and an incredible lifeline.
Judy,
Thank you for the kind words. FWIW, I almost have that book finished - I'm working on the final couple of chapters, (I think).
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Gabby - I read more on the eatwild link. There's a number of such farms, ranches within very reasonable distance, one at same town and one within a 20 minute drive. (Also, some listed are good reason for a drive to the beautiful Hill Country - although the Hill Country is reason enough) Thanks to your posting.... Whew! I dodged that bullet...after raising a calf intentionally called "Freezer Meat" no one could eat what seemed to be a pet, so we gave it all away. Irony is Dad raised Chianina cattle :-D
I could easily be a vegetarian, but it doesn't work for me. I do enjoy turkey breast if it's home cooked and not the deli/processed stuff. (and, if I don't think about waking up to count 27 beautiful wild turkey in the yard. I would have starved to death in the old days)
BTW, my son suggested Bison. Has anyone tried Bison? Results?
Suze - I'm also suspicious of meat labeling. Sometimes what seems to be the healthiest thing I can find in the store just doesn't taste right and I become ill after eating. On the other hand, meat in the butcher section looks better, but has no label.
It is important to be able to sacrifice what we are for what we can become.
unk
Tex, are you taking advance orders?
Like everyone else I can't wait to see the book. What an undertaking! You are doing a valuable thing for many, many people.
Carol
“.... people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
If there was ever a question about the emergence of MRSA in our society, it seems we have an answer. Depressing.
The FDA really takes care of business, don't they. I don't understand why the congress keeps voting more money for them - they never utilize it for any public benefit. I guess it must just go into their pockets.
