I came across the following passage recently, and it sure gets me thinking.
"Having the precious opportunity of human birth, I have 2 responsibilities into the Dhamma: (the teachings of the Buddha) The benefit of myself and the benefit of others. All other beings, whether they be human or non-human, visible or invisible, great or small, far or near, all these beings I shall treat with gentleness and wish that they may dwell in peace. May they be happy... May they be happy... May they be happy...! I shall help them when they experience suffering, and be glad with them when they are happy."
– Buddhism Explained, Second Edition
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Awwww, Poor Meat Industry :(
As reported by the Washington Post, the meat industry is unhappy with possible new FDA recommendations governing the use of antibiotics in animals. We're not even talking about regulations here. And still, they are fighting this tooth and nail.
Problem:
Pumping animals with antibiotics their entire lives to avoid infections caused by their filthy living conditions is creating resistant strains of bacteria that concern the medical industry. These strains are making their way into the human food supply. Animals are fed antibiotics when they aren't sick—70% of all antibiotics in the U.S. are fed to livestock.
Bigger problem:
The FDA does not regulate the amount or type of antibiotics used, and this regulation seems to be far from happening. In the meantime, antibiotics used for humans are becoming less effective.
Unfortunately, the U.S. is behind the times. Surprise, surprise. The EU has had regulations for the past 10 years limiting the use of antibiotics. We can't even recommend this, apparently. Why is this hardly mentioned when there is an E. Coli outbreak or meat is recalled? Why aren't meat eaters sickened by these facts and opting to purchase organic meats, or, even more extreme, to stop eating it and feeding it to their kids? I think the answer is education.
Good job, Washington Post. Keep it up.
Problem:
Pumping animals with antibiotics their entire lives to avoid infections caused by their filthy living conditions is creating resistant strains of bacteria that concern the medical industry. These strains are making their way into the human food supply. Animals are fed antibiotics when they aren't sick—70% of all antibiotics in the U.S. are fed to livestock.
Bigger problem:
The FDA does not regulate the amount or type of antibiotics used, and this regulation seems to be far from happening. In the meantime, antibiotics used for humans are becoming less effective.
Unfortunately, the U.S. is behind the times. Surprise, surprise. The EU has had regulations for the past 10 years limiting the use of antibiotics. We can't even recommend this, apparently. Why is this hardly mentioned when there is an E. Coli outbreak or meat is recalled? Why aren't meat eaters sickened by these facts and opting to purchase organic meats, or, even more extreme, to stop eating it and feeding it to their kids? I think the answer is education.
Good job, Washington Post. Keep it up.
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