Last updated on September 5th, 2012 at 04:31 pm
“The Food and Drug Administration did the right thing in limiting the use of cephalosporins in food animal production, and I urge them to keep moving forward so that we can save antibiotics and avert a public health crisis,” said Stephen McDonnell, founder and CEO of New Jersey-based Applegate, a producer of natural and organic meats and cheeses.
“The American people support the FDA’s action, and Applegate is committed to educating the public about the dangers of antibiotic overuse in animal agriculture and its effects on the environment and human health,” added McDonnell who, in partnership with STOP Foodborne Illness, launched Citizens Against Superbugs in December. A survey sponsored by Citizens Against Superbugs found that 75 percent of Americans want government to do something to restrict the use of antibiotics in animal farms, and 71 percent believe that antibiotic overuse and misuse is causing antibiotic resistance and a human health crisis.
McDonnell is asking the public to become part of the conversation and provide comments to the FDA through www.facebook.com/citizensagainstsuperbugs and Twitter with #StopSuperbugs.
“I will be voicing my support during the FDA’s public comment period, and I encourage all Americans who want to make sure that the antibiotics they are using today will work tomorrow to do so as well,” he said.
Applegate produces high-quality natural and organic hot dogs, bacon, sausages, deli meats, cheese and frozen products. Its meats are:
• Raised without antibiotics or hormones;
• From animals fed a vegetarian or 100 percent grass diet and treated with humane animal standards;
• Free of added chemical nitrites, nitrates or phosphates; and,
• Free of artificial ingredients or preservatives.
