Non-organic meat producers have been feeding antibiotics to their animals for years. It  was discovered that adding antibiotics to feed would  increase weight gain in animals, thereby increasing profits. Nearly 30 million pounds of antibiotics are used annually in livestock.  There is increasing evidence that over use of antibiotics in food animals pose a health risk to humans.Public health officials have long decried the practice. Many of the antibiotics used in animals are the same ones given to treat disease in humans. Illnesses caused by bacteria are more likely to be fatal if overuse has made the germs resistant to medication. Scientific research has linked the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in food animals to rising antibiotic resistance in human pathogens.  An FDA report released in April found in antibiotic-resistant bacteria in 55% of ground beef it tested. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a report in September that said “antibiotics should be used in food producing animals only under veterinary oversight and only to manage and treat infectious diseases, not to promote growth.”

Organic livestock are not fed antibiotics or other artificial drugs nor do they eat food which has been treated with synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, sewage sludge or radiation. Their food sources cannot contain any preservatives, additives or GMO’s. The animals are raised in a healthier environment and often eat a wider range of nutrients. Organic ranchers use a well-rounded diet of organic materials to promote growth and fight off infection in their livestock, such as natural grasses which increases resistance to disease. Organic livestock spend less time confined indoors and are given plenty of time to roam and graze. When food animals eat the right diet, their meat is incredibly lean, has better fatty acid ratios and less total fat. Organic meat is just all around healthier for humans and for the environment. Go Organic as much as you can.