Better Meat Options in America

On June 21, 2023 The United States just approved cell grown meat for human consumption in America after several FDA tests. 

Why is this so important? Beyond that it prevents a situation where it is necessary to kill for your own pleasure, it’s healthier than eating murdered animals. 

In many countries, antibiotics are used in animal agriculture to promote growth and prevent diseases in livestock. When animals are continuously exposed to low doses of antibiotics, it creates an environment where bacteria can develop resistance. If these resistant bacteria are transmitted to humans through consumption of contaminated meat or through other means, it can make certain infections more difficult to treat.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be transmitted to humans through various pathways, including direct contact with animals, consumption of contaminated food (including meat), or through the environment. Once these bacteria enter the human body, they can cause infections that are more challenging to treat with conventional antibiotics.

The potential implications of antibiotic-resistant bacteria causing widespread harm or wiping out human life would be severe and far-reaching. While it is important to note that complete extinction is unlikely, such a scenario would have significant consequences:

Increased Mortality: Antibiotic-resistant infections would be more difficult to treat, leading to higher mortality rates from once-treatable bacterial diseases. Common infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections could become life-threatening without effective antibiotics.

Healthcare System Overload: The healthcare system would face immense strain, as hospitals and healthcare providers would be overwhelmed by the increasing number of untreatable infections. This could lead to a breakdown in the provision of routine healthcare services and a rise in healthcare costs.

Economic Impact: The economic consequences would be substantial. Antibiotic-resistant infections would lead to prolonged illness, increased hospitalizations, and reduced productivity, resulting in significant economic losses for individuals, businesses, and governments. The cost of developing new treatments and controlling outbreaks would also be substantial.

Compromised Medical Procedures: Antibiotics are essential for various medical procedures, such as surgeries, chemotherapy, and organ transplants, to prevent or treat bacterial infections. If antibiotics become ineffective, these procedures would become riskier, and some may no longer be possible or significantly limited in their availability.

Disruption of Food Production: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can contaminate the food chain, making it difficult to control infections in livestock and crops. This could lead to outbreaks of foodborne illnesses and impact food production and supply, resulting in food shortages and higher food prices.

Beyond this, hormones are also affecting human life and the entire ecosystem as well. The use of hormones in animals for human consumption has been a subject of debate and research. While there is ongoing scientific discussion, some potential negative health impacts associated with hormone use in animals include:

Endocrine Disruption: Hormones added to animal feed may have the potential to disrupt the normal hormonal balance in humans. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can interfere with the body's endocrine system, which regulates hormone production and function. Prolonged exposure to EDCs could potentially lead to adverse effects on human health, including reproductive disorders, developmental issues, and hormonal imbalances.

Increased Cancer Risk: Some studies have suggested a possible link between hormone-treated meat consumption and an increased risk of certain cancers, such as breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. However, the evidence is not conclusive, and more research is needed to establish a definitive connection.

Allergic Reactions: Hormones used in animals may trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Some people may be sensitive or allergic to specific hormones, and their presence in meat could potentially lead to adverse allergic responses upon consumption.

Antibiotic Resistance Concerns: While hormones and antibiotics are distinct, the use of hormones in livestock is sometimes associated with the overuse of antibiotics. The routine use of antibiotics in animal agriculture can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, as mentioned earlier. Antibiotic-resistant infections in humans can pose serious health risks and limit treatment options.

Environmental Impact: The use of hormones in animal agriculture can have environmental consequences. Hormones may enter the environment through animal waste, potentially affecting ecosystems and water sources. This could lead to the disruption of aquatic organisms and ecological imbalances.

Lab grown meat is not just saving the lives of animals, and potentially the future of the human species but beyond that it has the ability to save the planet. Farm animals bred for human consumption, particularly in intensive animal agriculture systems, have significant environmental impacts that contribute to climate change in several ways:

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The production of meat, especially beef and lamb, is associated with substantial greenhouse gas emissions. Farm animals, particularly ruminants like cattle, produce methane during digestion, which is a potent greenhouse gas. Additionally, livestock farming requires large amounts of feed production, transportation, and processing, all of which contribute to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Deforestation and Land Use: Animal agriculture is a major driver of deforestation, particularly in regions like the Amazon rainforest. Forests are often cleared to make way for pastureland or to grow animal feed crops such as soybeans and corn. Deforestation releases CO2 stored in trees, reducing the Earth's capacity to absorb greenhouse gases. Moreover, converting forests to farmland reduces biodiversity and disrupts ecosystems.

Water Consumption and Pollution: Animal agriculture is a water-intensive industry. Livestock farming requires vast amounts of water for drinking, cleaning, and crop irrigation. This places significant pressure on freshwater resources. Additionally, animal waste, including manure and urine, can contaminate water bodies, leading to water pollution and ecosystem degradation.

Soil Degradation: Intensive animal agriculture practices often involve concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), where large numbers of animals are housed in small spaces. The excessive concentration of animals and their waste can lead to soil degradation due to nutrient overload and soil erosion. This affects soil fertility, leading to long-term damage to agricultural productivity and ecosystem health.

Energy and Resource Intensiveness: Producing meat requires substantial energy inputs, including fuel for machinery, electricity for processing facilities, and transportation of feed and animal products. The intensive use of resources, such as fossil fuels, water, and land, contributes to the carbon footprint and environmental impact of animal agriculture.

Nitrous Oxide Emissions: Animal waste and the use of synthetic fertilizers for growing animal feed can result in the release of nitrous oxide (N2O), another potent greenhouse gas. Nitrous oxide is released during microbial processes in soil and contributes to global warming.