The use of arsenic in food production has been strictly banned by the European Union - and for good reason. Millions of people around the world are endangered by groundwater that has been contaminated by arsenic; many suffer from long-term damage (including cancer) after being exposed to the horrible poison (2). After recognizing the treacherous effects of arsenic I cannot help but wonder why the United States still permits the use of this element in our food. Exposure to arsenic contamination in water can result in effects such as this:
I sincerely hope that the FDA can come to its senses and acknowledge that our nation is quite literally being poisoned one chicken at a time. I haven't ever considered being a vegetarian, but if arsenic continues to be an integral part of the poultry-raising process, I might have to think twice next time I go to Food Lion.
(1) For more on how arsenic is used in the U.S.: http://healthyliving.msn.com/health-wellness/10-things-americans-eat-that-are-banned-elsewhere#6
(2) For more on the long-term effects and background of arsenic: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenic
(3) For the grotesque picture: http://insidecostarica.com/2013/04/19/arsenic-in-guanacaste-water-supplies-constitutional-court-puts-pressure-on-chinchilla-to-act/
Isabelle,
ReplyDeleteI noticed that you sounded about as shocked as I was when I heard that the FDA would allow such an additive to be entered in our food that many of us consume on a weekly basis. With that being said, I decided to conduct some more research on arsenic and found a website (http://www.cok.net/blog/2013/01/maryland-law-takes-effect-arsenic-banned-chicken-feed/) that introduced many interesting facts about the use of the additive within the United States. For example, I discovered that within the time frame of this year, arsenic had been made illegal in the state of Maryland. Since taking affect on January 1st, 2013, this law had made Maryland the first American state to apply a band on using arsenic within the production of their chickens. I also found out that Maryland is the one of the main producers for chicken within the Unites States. This allowed me feel a bit more relieved and "okay" about eating chicken knowing that the U.S. is onto some kind-of progression in making our foods healthier for the human body to consume. In all, I hope it helped you feel more relieved as well.