The author, Lee Hitchcox, D.C., was trained in chemical warfare and has been a chiropractor for 10 years. His chemical background makes him a very effective speaker on this issue, and he gets a good response whereever he speaks. Infectious diseases are on a global rebound, killing thousands more and evolving into antibiotic-resistant strains. Much media attention focuses on doctors over prescribing antibiotics and the resulting boost in drug-resistant bacteria. However, such reports often overlook potentially more deadly sources, antibiotic residues in the U.S. food supply.
Most hamburger meat comes from dairy cows, the most heavily medicated farm animals.
Up to 82 drugs are used in dairy cows, but the FDA only tests for four. U.S. milk may contain traces of 80 different antibiotics without disclosure. European countries have banned most U.S. beef, poultry and dairy products because of detectable levels of drugs. And vegetarians are not immune. The FDA admits that antibiotic-resistant genes can reduce the benefit of prescribed antibiotics.