Americans Chowing Down on More Poultry Than Ever

According to a recent study by the National Chicken Council, American consumption of poultry is at an all-time high. The average person in the United States ate 86.5 pounds of chicken and poultry in 2018, up from 83.6 pounds the year before.

This shift away from red meat is being driven by several factors, including concerns over health and sustainability. Poultry is seen as a healthier alternative to red meat, and it also takes up a smaller share of the agricultural land base than beef or pork.

The popularity of chicken and other poultry is also benefiting the environment. Growing chickens emits significantly less greenhouse gas than raising cows or pigs, and they require far fewer inputs such as water and feed.

It's clear that Americans are increasingly turning to poultry for their protein needs. This shift away from red meat is good news for both our health and the environment.

The Truth About Poultry and Antibiotics

One of the most common misconceptions about poultry is that they are routinely given antibiotics. In fact, antibiotics are not used in poultry production unless there is a specific need.

The use of antibiotics in agriculture, including poultry, is kept to a minimum and is tightly regulated by the government. The FDA only allows the use of antibiotics that are considered medically important for humans.

Many people believe that the use of antibiotics in poultry causes antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, this is not the case. The overuse of antibiotics in humans is the primary cause of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Poultry producers take great care to ensure that their birds receive the best possible care. They do not administer antibiotics unless there is a specific need. By doing so, they help to keep antibiotic-resistant bacteria at bay.

Is Eating poultry really that bad for you?

Picture this: You are out at a nice restaurant with your significant other. The waiter comes over and asks if you would like to order the chicken or fish. You hesitate for a moment before deciding on the chicken.

When the dish arrives, you take a bite and are immediately hit with an intense flavor. "Wow, this chicken is really spicy!" you think to yourself.

Little did you know, that spice was actually dried hot peppers that were used to prepare the dish. And what's even worse is that those peppers were likely dried using chemical solvents like hexane.

If this scene sounds familiar, it's because it's something that happens all too often in restaurants across the United States. Poultry is one of the most popular items on restaurant menus, but it's also one of the most unhealthy.

The reason poultry is so unhealthy is because it tends to be high in sodium and saturated fat. A single serving of fried chicken can contain up to 900 milligrams of sodium, which is more than half the recommended daily allowance. It can also contain up to 30 grams of fat, which is nearly half the daily recommended limit.

All that sodium and fat can lead to some serious health problems down the road. High blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and obesity are just a few of the conditions that can be caused or worsened by eating too much poultry.

So what should you do if you love chicken but don't want to jeopardize your health? The best thing to do is cook poultry yourself at home using healthy cooking methods like grilling or baking instead of frying.

You can also choose healthier types of poultry like skinless chicken breasts or turkey burgers instead of fried chicken or sausage links. By making these small changes, you can dramatically reduce the amount of sodium and fat in your diet while still enjoying your favorite dishes!

Poultry Workers Caught in Sex Trafficking Scandal

Three workers at a poultry plant in Alabama have been arrested on sex trafficking charges. The workers are accused of bringing women into the country illegally and then forcing them to work in the plant as prostitutes.

The allegations have shocked the local community and raised concerns about the conditions faced by immigrant workers in poultry plants across the country. One advocate for immigrants' rights said that these sorts of abuses are common in the industry, and that workers are often afraid to speak out for fear of being deported.

Labor officials pledged to investigate the allegations and said that they will not tolerate any type of human trafficking or exploitation in their plants. The company that owns the poultry plant released a statement saying that it is cooperating with the investigation and that it has a zero tolerance policy for any type of workplace harassment or abuse.

Are there safer ways to eat poultry?

In the United States, an estimated 8.5 billion chickens are slaughtered each year for human consumption, making chicken the most popular meat in the country. While chicken is a relatively healthy source of protein, it can also be a carrier of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. In fact, poultry is responsible for more foodborne illness outbreaks than any other food product.

So how can you reduce your risk of getting sick from eating chicken? Here are some tips:

-Choose chicken that is refrigerated and has no signs of pinkness or redness.

-Avoid buying pre-seasoned or marinated chicken, as these products may not have been cooked properly.

-Cook chicken thoroughly using a meat thermometer to ensure that it is fully cooked (165 degrees Fahrenheit).

-Do not eat raw or undercooked chicken, including chicken skin and chicken salad.

-Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw chicken.

-Avoid cross contamination by keeping raw chicken separate from other foods.

If you follow these guidelines, you can minimize your risk of getting sick from eating poultry.