Contaminated meat
CNN posted an article questioning the quality of U.S. meat. In a recent study, researchers tested 136 packages of chicken, turkey, pork and ground beef from 26 grocery stores in five cities. Of the meat tested, researchers found that 47 percent contained Staphylococcus auerus, a group of bacteria that can cause a multitude of diseases as a result of infection of various tissues in the body. Though staph infections are common in people, it is something to be concerned about.
Approximately half of the contaminated samples contained strains of bacteria that were resistant to common antibiotics, such as penicillin, while some strains were resistant to a half a dozen or more.
In my opinion, I believe that this is only a small portion of what is really going around our food supply. Unless we can all eat organically, which is quite expensive for a college student, we will continue to expose ourselves to the products involved in the farming industry. I’m not sure if I’d rather be exposed to a bacteria that may be treatable, or if I would like to continue to drink steroid-infested milk and growth hormone injected meat. Though finding bacteria in nearly half of U.S. meat is a significant number, unfortunately, I think that it’s a price we pay when eating inorganic foods. Is this right? Maybe not. But it’s where we’re at right now in our society and hopefully we can move to a more organic and safe lifestyle.
Your Thoughts
Will this recent study change the way you eat meat? Share your thoughts and opinions below!
Are you going to change your meat-eating habits after reading CNN’s article, “Bacteria seen in nearly half of U.S. meat”?survey software
on April 16th, 2011 at 10:37 pm
You bring up some very good points and yeah it would be quite hard, if not impossible for most college students to afford to buy organic meat…and I doubt any organic stuff will be served in college cafeterias any time soon. Also, depending where the school is located…organic grocery just may not be an option unless you order online (which can get pricey).
But eating organic meat, especially grass fed/free range stuff is the way to go, considering all of the unknown evils that affect our food supply daily. Of course people can always avoid meat and become vegetarians, but then there is the issue of chemicals & contaminants in fruits and veggies unless they are organically grown. Tough call.
on May 15th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
All raw meat, whether labeled “organic” or not should be cooked prior to eating. Meat that is “organic” is not guaranteed to be bacteria-free. Avoid “steak tarare” and send the government a polite letter asking for tighter regulations.
on May 24th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
Great article. Keep up the good work!
on July 31st, 2011 at 1:57 pm
I agree with all meat should be cooked. Atleast this is my preference. Makes me wonder how so many can eat raw sushi