By Amanda Wilkes
Since the 70′s we have been unsuccessful in our mission to crack down on the Food and Drug
Administration about the types and amounts of antibiotics given to “food” animals. For over 30 years, they have excused themselves from these acts, and have belittled the importance of a trial by stating that it would be a waste of money and of no interest to the public. Thankfully, because of U.S. Magistrate Judge Theodore Katz in Manhattan, the FDA may soon face trial. Katz believes the agency needs to confront the issues at hand or explain why they refuse to do so. Katz ruled in March of last year that the FDA withdraw approval of all antibiotics that cannot be proven safe.
To no surprise, government lawyers are appealing this decree. How the government can encourage these types of acts is beyond my understanding. We have known since 1977 that feeding animals antibiotics could cause antibiotic-resistant bacteria capable of infecting people. Yet, still in 2012, there has been no change. We are lucky that 80 percent of all antibiotics used in the U.S. are also used in livestock to encourage speedy animal growth, to treat sick/dying animals, and to prevent disease where animals are kept in unsanitary and cramped spaces. It is no wonder why people are having so many health issues, when they are involuntarily ingesting all of these secondhand antibiotics. The health of the U.S. public relies immensely on this trial alone. Even if you don’t eat meat, get involved in saving the rest of people who do. Support U.S. Magistrate Theodore Katz.
To read more visit http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/ny-judge-fda-act-animal-antibiotics-16501032#.T9YflY4Tvw4