Drug-resistant bacteria still common in grocery chickens. (EH Update).The chickens that American consumers buy in their local supermarkets may not be as safe as they think. Researchers for a study published in the January issue of Consumer Reports tested about 480 whole, raw broiler broiler a young (about 8 weeks old) male or female chicken weighing 3 to 3.5 lb. chickens purchased at supermarkets in 25 cities nationwide in spring 2002. The survey included chickens from leading, premium, kosher kosher [Heb.,=proper, i.e., fit for use], in Judaism, term used in rabbinic literature to mean what is ritually correct, but most widely applied to food that is in accordance with dietary laws based on Old Testament passages (primarily Lev. 11 and Deut. 14). , and organic brands. Salmonella and Campylobacter Campylobacter Genus of gram-negative spiral-shaped bacteria infecting mammals. Many species, especially C. fetus, cause miscarriage in sheep and cattle. C. jejuni is a common cause of food poisoning. Sources include meats (particularly chicken) and unpasteurized milk. bacteria were found in about half of the raw chickens sampled. More disturbingly, the researchers found that a high percentage of the bacteria strains were resistant to at least one antibiotic. "As a result, the estimated 1.1 million or more Americans sickened each year by undercooked, tainted taint v. taint·ed, taint·ing, taints v.tr. 1. To affect with or as if with a disease. 2. To affect with decay or putrefaction; spoil. See Synonyms at contaminate. 3. chicken, or by food that raw chicken juices have touched may stay sick longer, possibly with more serious illnesses," the magazine reports. "Doctors may have to prescribe several antibiotics before finding one that works. And patients may have to pay more to be treated." Campylobacter, the most common cause of foodborne disease in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. , was found in 42 percent of the chickens, and Salmonella was found in 12 percent. Five percent of the chickens carried both of the contaminants, and 51 percent contained neither. Ninety percent of the Campylobacter and 34 percent of the Salmonella were resistant to antibiotics. Though high, the bacteria levels found in the recent study are an improvement from a 1997 survey by Consumer Reports, which found bacteria in three-fourths of supermarket chickens. In recent years, the Years, The the seven decades of Eleanor Pargiter’s life. [Br. Lit.: Benét, 1109] See : Time Food and Drug Administration (FDA FDA abbr. Food and Drug Administration FDA, n.pr See Food and Drug Administration. FDA, n.pr the abbreviation for the Food and Drug Administration. ) has taken measures to reduce the poultry industry's use of antibiotics, which producers employ to prevent and control illness in flocks or to speed up growth. Last fall, FDA proposed that animal drugs submitted for approval to the agency be evaluated for resistance in humans. Also, some poultry producers have announced plans to reduce use of certain antibiotics. (Adapted from The Nation's Health, February 2003.) |
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