Food and Drug-Resistant Germs

Worried about antibiotic-resistant bacteria in your shopping cart? Buy organic poultry to reduce your exposure to drug-resistant germs.
The recent salmonella outbreak in ground turkey that sickened more than 100 people around the country turned out to be caused by an antibiotic-resistant strain of the bacteria. Because organic farms are not allowed to use antibiotics to prevent disease in their livestock, buying organic meat products could reduce your chances of being exposed.
Researchers have found that organic poultry farms have much lower levels of drug-resistant germs than conventional poultry farms. Of course, just because you buy organic doesn’t mean you can slack off in the food safety department. Any type of commercially prepared chicken is bound to carry germs that could make you sick. Cook foods thoroughly, and wash hands and utensils after coming in contact with raw poultry, meat or fish.