Whoa! A new study published in The Lancet shows that antibiotic resistance could cause over 39 million deaths by 2050. That’s largely because chickens and other farmed animals are often given antibiotics in order to promote growth or prevent disease on filthy, crowded farms. So when humans get sick, the antibiotics they’re prescribed don’t always work because they’ve been exposed to antibiotic-resistant bacteria and low doses of antibiotics by eating meat, milk, or eggs from animals who were fed the same drugs.
An expert at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health urges everyone who’s concerned about health issues to look for a “no antibiotics ever” label. I have a better idea: Look for a “vegan” label. If we all choose vegan foods rather than animal-based ones, antibiotic-resistant bacteria will be less of a threat. See PETA.org for more information and a free vegan starter kit. Sincerely,
Heather Moore, Vegan Living Expert
The PETA Foundation
Norfolk