Did you know that eighty percent of antibiotics sold in the U.S. are used in animal agriculture? The vast majority are used for non-therapeutic purposes, such as promoting animal growth and compensating for the effects of unsanitary and overcrowded conditions.
Farmers say that the antibiotics are needed to keep animals healthy and cater to the desire for consumers to have inexpensive meat. But, public health advocates argue that this practice breeds antibiotic-resistant germs – which can ultimately cause diseases in humans. And nobody wants that.
“Consumers are beginning to understand the cost of eating cheap meat,” said Stephen McDonnell, CEO of Applegate, which markets antibiotic-free meats and cheeses. “As people really understand what it takes to create a healthy animal they will probably eat less meat, but they are going to eat better meat.”
Applegate makes sure their animals are never given antibiotics, hormones or artificial growth promotants. Their products are made with natural and organic ingredients. They conduct their farming practices with integrity and treat their animals and land with respect.
You can read more about the history and debate at USA Today.
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About Nikki Katz
Nikki Katz had been freelance writing, editing, and blogging for over a decade – covering topics from pregnancy to parenting, celebrity gossip to book reviews. She’s also a social media nut, reality TV addict, and an ex-rocket scientist.
