FEED - October 2005
Contents
1. Send in the clones: Approval of milk and meat from cloned animals "imminent"
2. Animal Care Certified label struck down
3. Controversial endangered species bill reduces pesticide protection
4. Factory farming report examines global meat production
5. "Double Dippers" report exposes farm subsidies
6. New feed supplement for cattle could partially replace antibiotics
1. Send in the clones: Approval of milk and meat from cloned animals "imminent"
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is poised to approve the sale of milk and meat from cloned animals, according to a Washington Post article. Although a recent survey found that 63 percent of people wouldn't willingly eat products from cloned animals, the article noted it will be difficult for consumers to avoid these products because the FDA does not plan to require them to be labeled. Hundreds of cloned cattle and pigs are already living on farms around the country and according to the article, small numbers of offspring from cloned animals are already entering the food supply. In a speech made just before he resigned, then FDA Commissioner Lester Crawford said the FDA will take comments on its policy before it goes into effect. Read the article.
2. Animal Care Certified label struck down
Consumer advocates scored a major victory this week when the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) pressured the United Egg Producers to end the use of its "Animal Care Certified" label. This label, which currently appears on most egg cartons in U.S. supermarkets, has been deemed misleading by the Better Business Bureau. Producers using this label were allowed to keep chickens stacked in crowded wire cages, remove beaks without anesthesia, and trigger molting by withholding feed—practices that most consumers do not consider humane. As a result of the FTC's action, the "Animal Care Certified" label will be replaced with a "United Egg Producers Certified" label. Groups that support the change say it will allow shoppers to make more informed decisions, and encourage them to buy only from cage-free operations. Read a New York Times article about the label.
3. Controversial endangered species bill reduces pesticide protection
Despite its name, the Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act of 2005 (H.R. 3824) strips protections from endangered species. What's more, one provision of this bill relaxes the regulation of pesticides by exempting users from the Endangered Species Act. Critics argue that this "silent spring" provision could result in more toxic chemicals entering rivers and streams, and more farm workers and wildlife being harmed by pesticides. Despite vocal opposition, H.R. 3824 passed in the House of Representatives on September 29 by a vote of 229-193. The Senate version of the bill is currently being considered by the Senate's Environment and Public Works committee. Read more information about the legislation from Defenders of Wildlife.
4. Factory farming report examines global meat production
A new report by the Worldwatch Institute examines the environmental and health problems caused by concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) or factory farms. These problems include animal welfare concerns, air and water pollution, antibiotic resistance, ecological damage, livestock disease outbreaks, and social and labor problems. The report profiles sustainable alternatives, such as small-scale cage-free chicken production, raising of heirloom breeds, and grass-fed meat production. Read more about the report, "Happier Meals: Rethinking the Global Meat Industry."
5. "Double Dippers" report exposes farm subsidies
A report by the Environmental Working Group shows that many California farms are receiving double subsidies: for water to irrigate crops and for price supports for the crops themselves. The report found that the 6800 farms in California's Central Valley received $538 million in government subsidies in 2002. Read the report, "Double Dippers: How Big Ag Taps into Taxpayers' Pockets – Twice."
6. New feed supplement for cattle could partially replace antibiotics
A feed supplement called a bacteriophage that is under development for cattle could partially replace the use of antibiotics. The product uses viruses to kill E. coli bacteria, preventing them from spreading to humans who eat the meat. Eli Lilly and Gangagen Biotechnologies (India), joint developers of the product, will conduct a trial next year and may market the feed supplement by 2007. Read an article about Gangagen and phage technology in Biospectrum magazine.
