Biyolog Zehra SAYGILI
Are you really eating chicken? Or is it antibiotics?
Animals, like humans, are quite susceptible to bacterial infections. Often, in farms or production centers with large animal populations, antibiotics are used when an animal becomes infected to prevent the spread of bacteria and avoid infecting others. However, nowadays, the use of antibiotics in animals has become more than just treating diseases.
In today's world, antibiotics are used not only for treating and preventing diseases but also to enhance animal production and meat yield in many countries. Furthermore, a global study has found that antibiotic use in farm animals far surpasses that in humans. Excessive antibiotic use poses serious risks to human health by contributing to antibiotic resistance. While antibiotics are a crucial class of drugs for treating bacterial infections in both humans and animals, they not only kill harmful bacteria but also beneficial ones.
Investigations have revealed antibiotic residues in the meat of animals that were raised and fattened with antibiotics. These residues, particularly concentrated in organs like kidneys, hearts, and livers, pose a significant threat. Research on individuals consuming such meat has shown disturbances in their digestive systems, including reduced bacterial diversity, damaged intestinal surfaces, increased instances of chronic diarrhea and constipation, elevated risk of inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, as well as gastrointestinal cancers of the esophagus, stomach, and colon.
The pioneer of medicine, Hippocrates, emphasized the importance of the digestive system in overall health, stating "all diseases begin in the gut."
The use of antibiotics in livestock also reduces animals' resistance to infections, facilitating the spread of diseases among them. This situation increases the risk of epidemic diseases for human health, posing a significant threat.
To counter this threat, the European Union initiated efforts in 2006 to restrict and prohibit the use of antibiotics in animal feed in some countries through its guidelines. Additionally, global organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have conducted various studies. In this regard, experts advocate for residue tracking plans and strict oversight by countries. To ensure food and public safety, antibiotic treatment for livestock should only be administered under the prescription of a veterinarian.
In this article, I wanted to convey the serious health risks associated with excessive antibiotic use in the meat industry. Raising awareness among animal producers in our country about antibiotic-laden meats and their effects holds immense significance for our health. It's worth reminding that all diseases originate in the gut. As consumers, we should take responsibility for our health, make efforts to learn about the conditions in which the meat products we consume are raised and processed, and opt for healthier choices.
