Animal contraceptives and antibiotics found in popular fast foods: Report
Exciting news! A recent laboratory report has revealed that two types of animal antibiotics and an animal contraceptive have been found in food samples from America’s top 10 most popular fast-food chains.
In September, Moms Across America (MAA), a nonprofit activism group formed by mothers, took action by submitting food samples from these popular American food chains to the Health Research Institute. Their goal was to test the samples for over 100 common veterinary drugs and hormones, bringing awareness to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and pesticides in our food.
“This is a serious issue,” said John Fagan, the molecular and chief scientist at the Health Research Institute. ”We tested the food samples from 8 out of the 10 most popular fast-food chains, and the results were alarming.”
Curious about the testing process? Well, volunteers for MAA visited their local McDonald’s, Starbucks, Subway, Chick-fil-A, Burger King, Taco Bell, Chipotle, Dunkin’, Wendy’s, or Domino’s stores and ordered the same meal multiple times. Each meal was carefully sealed, frozen, and sent to the Health Research Institute for analysis.
At the laboratory, the food and its packaging underwent thorough testing for veterinary drugs and hormones.
“It’s important to note that the FDA’s acceptable intake levels are mainly focused on acute poisoning,” explained Mr. Fagan. “However, when it comes to fast food, which many people consume daily, there is a concern about chronic poisoning due to the accumulation of toxins.”
Discovering Monensin
Monensin, an antibiotic, was found in small amounts in Taco Bell, Dunkin’, Wendy’s, Domino’s, Burger King, and McDonald’s. The detected levels were less than 0.5 microgram per kilogram.
The acceptable daily intake for monensin is 12.5 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day.
Monensin is commonly used as a veterinary antibiotic, but it has a narrow margin of safety. In animals, it can cause anorexia, diarrhea, weakness, and motor problems. Overdose can even lead to poisoning or death.
While monensin poisoning is rare in humans, there is currently no effective treatment available.
In one extreme case, a man ingested 300 milligrams of monensin, resulting in severe rhabdomyolysis, a condition where muscle tissue breaks down. This condition can cause damage to the heart and kidneys.
It’s important to note that the doses detected in the food samples were a million times lower than the dose ingested by the man in the extreme case.
Uncovering Narasin
Narasin, another antibiotic, was detected in trace amounts in a Wendy’s cheeseburger, as well as in meals from Dunkin’, Domino’s, and Starbucks. The levels found were less than 2 micrograms per kilogram.
The acceptable daily intake for narasin is 5 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day.
Narasin is commonly used as a feed additive to control parasitic infections in chickens and cattle. It belongs to a group of antibiotics called ionophores, which can disrupt the balance of ions in cells and are effective against bacterial and parasitic infections.
In animals, narasin can cause anorexia, diarrhea, and degeneration of the heart and skeletal muscles.
It’s important to note that these antibiotic ionophores are not used in humans due to concerns of toxicity, although there have been a few documented cases of toxicity from these drugs.
Unveiling Nicarbazin
Nicarbazin, an animal antiparasitic and contraceptive, was detected in a Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich sample. The levels found were less than 0.5 microgram per kilogram.
The acceptable daily intake for nicarbazin is 200 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day.
Nicarbazin is primarily used as an antiparasitic drug in chickens and turkeys, but it has also been used for population control of geese and pigeons.
While there have been no reports of toxic effects in humans, the long-term consequences of nicarbazin consumption are still unknown.
“The fact that millions of Americans, including children and young adults, are consuming a known animal contraceptive on a daily basis is concerning,” expressed Zen Honeycutt, MAA’s executive director. “Given the rise in infertility problems, the reproductive health of this generation is a top priority for us.”
Although there is limited research on the effects of veterinary drugs in humans, Ms. Honeycutt emphasized the need for further testing to determine if other fast-food chains also serve food containing similar veterinary drugs.
Are All Fast Food Chain Stores Affected?
Since each food sample was obtained from only one store per fast-food chain, Ms. Honeycutt suspects that other chains may also be affected.
“When it comes to processed meat patties, they often grind the meat of hundreds of birds together,” Ms. Honeycutt explained. ”So if one sample is contaminated, it’s likely that many others are as well. Farmers would treat all the birds at a facility if one of them becomes sick.”
Regarding potential package contamination, Mr. Fagan assured that the packages came from different states across the United States, making it unlikely for all of them to be contaminated.
It’s worth noting that previous tests conducted by MAA on school lunches revealed alarming results. Glyphosate, a weed killer, was found in 95 percent of the lunches, and 74 percent contained harmful pesticides. Thiabendazole, an immune suppressant, was detected in around 30 percent of the samples, and over 40 percent contained a developmental toxin.
The Epoch Times reached out to the fast-food chains mentioned in this article for comment.
How do the levels of tetracycline, sulfamethazine, and melengestrol acetate in the food samples compare to established guidelines for safe levels?
Esh, and sent to the Health Research Institute for analysis. The samples were tested using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, which are highly accurate methods for detecting and quantifying the presence of drugs and hormones in food. The results were then compared to established guidelines for safe levels of these substances in food.
The laboratory report revealed that two types of animal antibiotics, namely tetracycline and sulfamethazine, were detected in the food samples. These antibiotics are commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat bacterial infections in animals. However, their presence in our food raises concerns about the potential health risks associated with consuming antibiotics regularly.
In addition to antibiotics, an animal contraceptive called melengestrol acetate was also found in the food samples. This hormone is used to control reproduction in livestock, but its presence in our food supply is worrisome. Studies have shown that exposure to hormones like melengestrol acetate may disrupt the endocrine system and lead to adverse health effects.
MAA’s findings have sparked a debate about the safety and regulation of the fast-food industry. While there are strict regulations in place for the use of antibiotics and hormones in food-producing animals, it is evident that these regulations are not being effectively enforced. The presence of these substances in popular fast-food chains indicates that there may be gaps in the system that allow these drugs and hormones to enter our food supply.
Moreover, the consumption of antibiotics through food has been linked to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in humans. When antibiotics are used in animal agriculture, some of the drugs may persist in animal products and ultimately be consumed by humans. This can contribute to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making it more difficult to treat infections.
The issue of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and pesticides in our food is also a concern raised by MAA in their testing. While their focus was primarily on veterinary drugs and hormones, the detection of these substances in our food samples highlights the need for greater transparency and regulation in the food industry.
In response to the laboratory report, the fast-food chains implicated in the study have issued statements expressing their commitment to food safety and quality. They have pledged to investigate the source of these contaminants and take appropriate actions to ensure the integrity of their food supply.
MAA is calling for stricter regulations and more rigorous monitoring of the fast-food industry to prevent the presence of antibiotics, hormones, GMOs, and pesticides in our food. They believe that consumers have the right to know what they are eating and should be able to make informed choices about the food they consume.
The findings of this laboratory report are a wake-up call for both consumers and the fast-food industry. It highlights the urgent need for comprehensive and transparent regulations to protect the integrity of our food supply and ensure the health and well-being of consumers.
In the meantime, individuals can take steps to minimize their exposure to these substances by opting for organic and locally sourced foods whenever possible. By supporting sustainable and ethical farming practices, we can promote a healthier food system for ourselves and future generations.
It is crucial that we address the issue of antibiotics, hormones, GMOs, and pesticides in our food supply to safeguard our health and the environment. Let this laboratory report serve as a reminder of the importance of making informed choices about the food we consume.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
Now loading...