Applegate Urges More Regulation on Antibiotics in Animal Food Production

New Consumer Reports Study on the Overuse of Antibiotics in Pigs Shows a Threat to Human Health

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Nov 27, 2012, 11:27 ET

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Nov. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- "The analysis released today by Consumer Reports about pork samples in the United States is yet another example of how the routine practice of feeding low doses of antibiotics to animals is a threat to human health," said Stephen McDonnell, CEO and founder of Applegate, the nation's leading producer of natural and organic meat. "This report should further empower the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to take a stronger stand on this indefensible practice in its final guidance on antibiotics which is expected to be released before the end of the year."

"Applegate is standing with the Consumers Union – the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports – and urging policymakers to curb the use of antibiotics in hog farming so that we can keep them effective and make food production more sustainable," added McDonnell, who in partnership with STOP Foodborne Illness, launched Citizens Against Superbugs, a campaign committed to educating the public about the dangers of antibiotic resistance caused by overuse in animal agriculture and its effects on the environment and human health. "The public has the power to let food companies know where they stand on superbugs by voting no with their wallets. They have the choice to purchase meat and poultry raised without antibiotics so they no longer have to tolerate these dangerous conventions anymore."

"When we started Applegate in 1987, producing meat products with respect for the animals, land and farmers was the foundation of the company, which ultimately led to a commitment to raising animals without antibiotics. Applegate's success is proof positive that using these drugs on healthy animals is not necessary to remain competitive," said McDonnell. "As a parent and business owner who deals every day with issues surrounding raising animals for food, I'm encouraged to see more attention being brought to this issue."

The Consumer Reports analysis can be found in the January 2013 issue and online at http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/pork0113.

SOURCE Applegate