Healthier meat & dairy
Hormones and antibiotics
Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) is an artificial genetically modified growth hormone developed by Monsanto to increase dairy cows’ milk output. Food and Water Watch however, points to research showing that treating cows with rBGH does not necessarily yield more milk and that rBGH negatively impacts the health of the animals, consumers and the environment.
Antibiotics Industrial farms mix antibiotics into animal feed to make animals gain weight more rapidly and to control diseases related to overcrowding and unnatural conditions, increasing profits for meat producers. 70 percent of antibiotics and related drugs used in the United States are given as feed additives to chicken, hogs, and beef cattle; such use occurs without a prescription. The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a major public health crisis, as infections from resistant bacteria are becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to treat. See Sustainable Table for more information.
Additives In April 2008, Food and Water Watch released a report, Carbon Monoxide : Masking the Truth About Meat? exposing the use of the toxic gas in meat and fish packaging to create a red color typically associated with freshness. Consumers Union (PDF) and many other consumer groups say that adding carbon monoxide to meat puts consumers health at risk by intentionally disguising the color and quality of meat.
See also information about pastured meat and dairy, factory farming, and PCC's meat and dairy quality standards.