PRACTICES | Heritagehill

THE BENEFIT OF

ANTIBIOTIC-FREE BEEF

Why is the use of Antibiotics in Agriculture is a concern?

An estimated 80% of antibiotics that are produced in the United States are administered to agricultural animals. The primary reason for their use is to promote their growth, as well as to prevent diseases that often occur due to overcrowded and inhumane treatment. Growing concerns regarding the increased levels of drug-resistant bacteria have evolved.

In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the use of low doses of non-therapeutic antibiotics in animal agriculture “contributes to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in food-producing animals. These resistant bacteria can contaminate the foods that come from those animals, and persons who consume these foods can develop antibiotic-resistant infections.” Antibiotic resistant bacteria can also be transmitted through the environment and water supply. The CDC reports that each year 2 million people are infected and 23,000 people will die from antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Antibiotic resistance is a significant health concern because it results in strains of bacteria not responding to standard antibiotic treatment. This can result in severe illnesses. Because of this link, we are committed to not using antibiotics at Heritage Hill Farm.

ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE

The ability of bacteria or other microbes to

resist the effects of a drug after being exposed to them. This means that

the drug, and similar drugs, will no longer work against those bacteria.

If resistant bacteria enter the food supply, and if they are not destroyed by proper cooking, drugs normally used to treat people infected with those bacteria may not work.

ANTIBIOTICS

Any of a large group of chemical substances, as penicillin or streptomycin, produced by various microorganisms and fungi, having

the capacity in dilute solutions to inhibit the growth of or to destroy bacteria and other microorganisms, used chiefly in the treatment of infectious diseases.

"Bacteria are becoming more resistant to antibiotics, making it harder for doctors to treat human diseases, including tuberculosis and pneumonia. The misuse of antibiotics is leading to a “public health crisis.”

-Urvashi Rangan, director of Consumer Safety at Consumer Reports told CBS News.

THREE REASONS TO MAKE THE COMMITMENT TO ANIMALS RAISED WITHOUT ANTIBIOTICS TO SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!*

1. KEEP ANTIBIOTICS EFFECTS FOR FIGHTING DISEASE

We need to keep our life-saving drugs effective for when people really need them. Overuse by agricultural companies to make animals grow faster or to cover up poor living conditions for the animals is certainly not worth jeopardizing our ability to take care of our kids, parents, neighbors and the world community. The editorial board of The Washington Post warned that more must be done to reverse the overuse of antibiotics in livestock before a new generation of superbugs is created. The effectiveness of these incredibly powerful drugs is being undermined every day we give them to animals.

2. INVEST IN HEALTHY FOOD YOUR FAMILY

Purchasing antibiotic-free meat and poultry from a supermarket or restaurant is one major contribution you can make toward making the food supply safer and keeping your family healthy. Consumer Reports found 60% of poll respondents said they would pay more for antibiotic-free meats; 37% would pay up to one dollar more per pound.

Unfortunately, labels on meat don’t always make it clear when it is from animals raised without antibiotics. Look for meat labeled “organic” or “no antibiotics.”

The labels “natural” or “antibiotic-free” are not meaningful when it comes to determining whether antibiotics are prohibited.

3. CONSUMER ACTION IS REQUIRED TO MAKE ANTIBIOTIC-FREE MEAT AND POULTRY MORE WIDELY AVAILABLE.

Most meat-producing companies, fast food restaurants and grocery store chains make and sell meats and poultry raised with antibiotics, according to a survey conducted by Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY) in February. Be sure to check out Rep. Slaughter’s list of food providers’ antibiotic policies for an eye-opening understanding of how difficult it is to eat antibiotic-free meat and poultry when you’re not cooking at home.

What can you do? Whether you’re at the supermarket or eating out, check labels or ask your server whether the meat has been treated with antibiotics. And be sure to sign this petition from MomsRising asking Trader Joe’s to source their meat only from animals raised without antibiotics.