CBS News Investigates the Health Dangers of Widespread Antibiotic Use in Animals We EatIs the overuse of antibiotics in animals leading to resistant strains of bacteria, called MRSA (methicillin resistant staph) in humans? Workers handling animals are routinely getting sick, and in some cases the results are life threatening. Antibiotics are routinely used to promote growth in healthy animals and are added to animal feeds routinely. There are many kinds of resistant types of bacteria. Now doctors are worried that MRSA may be a problem for meat consumers in the U.S. Proponents of antibiotic use say they are necessary to keep the costs lower at the grocery store and profits high for farmers.
Resistant bacteria can spread in the food, in the water, and through the air. Concerned consumers can check the label on their packaging. Antibiotic free meat products are listed. Folks interested in buying organic can check out: eatwellguide.org.
