It seems I just can't get away from learning gross information about how meat is produced in this country. If it weren't for the fact that I adore a thick, juicy steak and now have organic meat options, I would be on the road to vegetarianism. And that's saying something, because I can't claim to be a fan of many vegetables, though I'm working on expanding my horizons. Consider the latest information, which was published in the New York Times op-ed section online today: "a pair of new scientific studies suggesting that poultry on factory farms are routinely fed caffeine, active ingredients of Tylenol and Benadryl, banned antibiotics and even arsenic."
Now, the author does note that the studies examined feather meal and not the meat itself, so there isn't conclusive evidence at this time that the chemicals in question make it into the meat and then into the human body. However, I don't need additional evidence to reaffirm our family's choice to go organic. According to these studies, chickens are often fed coffee grounds and tea leaves, presumably to keep them awake so they can eat more. And poultry magazines recommend Benadryl to calm chickens, who are probably suffering from a tremendous caffeine buzz. Even more disturbing is that a class of banned antibiotics was found in many of the feather meal samples...these particular antibiotics are banned in poultry farming "because they can breed antibiotic-resistant 'superbugs' that harm humans."
Perhaps most disturbing of all is the author's comment that poultry farmers often don't know what they're feeding the animals because they're required to use proprietary food blends if they sell to large food corporations. Our government is so busy fighting among themselves and passing laws to control every facet of our lives that they have no time, energy, or desire to ferret out the truth. And why should they? These are the same companies who donate money to both parties to ensure their silence.
Here's a link to the article, if you'd like to read it in full: Arsenic in Our Chicken?
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