2 posts tagged “health”
Tyson Foods announced on June 19, 2007 "... that it has begun to produce all of its fresh chicken free of antibiotics". According to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), "... an estimated 70 percent of antibiotics and related drugs in the United States are used in the feed and water of healthy animals—a practice with serious consequences for human health. Bacteria that are constantly exposed to antibiotics develop resistance to these drugs. When humans get sick from resistant bacteria, the antibiotics prescribed will no longer work."
The Union of Concerned Scientists has started a campaign to encourage other meat buyers to influence their meat suppliers and follow Tyson's lead. Aside from the health benefits for humans, a by-product of this campaign may be better living conditions for animals. Antibiotics are often used to prevent the spread of disease in animals due to overcrowding and poor conditions.
I found out about the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) website through a post on Treehugger on the UCS Cartoon Contest: Choose Your Science Idol Today!. UCS was founded at MIT in 1969 to encourage scientific research in the aid of environmental and social issues, conducting technical studies and communicating results with the public, media and policy makers. UCS combines "rigorous scientific analysis with innovative thinking and committed citizen advocacy to build a cleaner, healthier environment and a safer world." UCS has also prepared a list of Ways to Support the Integrity of Science.
By registering on UCS, you are kept abreast of key issues and have an opportunity to make your voice heard. For example, UCS recently raised concerns about plans to 'fast track' approval of genetically engineered (GE) rice that has contaminated non-GE rice crops.
UCS also distributes a number of newsletters. The October Food & Environment digest discussed issues around antibiotic use in cattle, an analysis of the E. coli outbreak linked to spinach, FDA approval of a virus-containing spray that kills food-borne bacteria, demand for organic food, and Kraft's agreement to sell only non-genetically engineered food to China. GREENTIPS looked at options for improving the efficiency heating residential water.
I have found the UCS website a well-balanced and thoughtful source of information, useful regardless of my opinion on the subject. You can even play the Great Green Web Game on consumer choices and the environment.
