Antibiotics & Hormones in Food

Just as antibiotic overuse has become a problem in the human population, antibiotics and other drugs are also overused in animal agriculture in the U.S.

There is a time and place for antibiotic use, such as if a animal becomes ill and needs to be treated. 

However, for decades now, antibiotics have been approved and used in animals for other purposes, such as "production purposes." These drugs promote growth, improve feed efficiency (animal gains more weight by eating less food), and prevent illness in animals confined in small, tight spaces. 

This has resulted in rising antibiotic resistance, which is a concern in both animals and humans, especially kids, the elderly, and those individuals who are immune-compromised.

Fortunately, organizations like the Center for Food Safety (CFS) is raising awareness about the dangers of overuse.

The CFS does not aim to eradicate antibiotic use completely; you'd still want farmers to be able to use antibiotics to treat illness in animals. Again, the problem arises when these drugs are overused and for the wrong purposes.

Listen in as Cameron Harsh, Senior Manager for Organic and Animal Policy at CFS, joins host Lisa Davis to provide information on why antibiotic use is so detrimental to both human and animal health.