The Food and Drug Administration has grown increasingly concerned about the prevalence of bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics. Although antibiotics are certainly a valid treatment option when dealing with infectious organisms, over the course of time, certain organisms have developed a resistance to the very drugs meant to fight them.
In a new report, two members of the FDA explain the organization’s efforts to protect consumers from this threat. It starts with ensuring that livestock are only provided with antibiotics for the treatment of sickness as opposed to administration for the purpose of fostering growth. When we eat livestock that has been given a steady stream of antibiotics, the worry is that we ourselves will be more susceptible to antibiotic-resistant organisms.
Consumers can also take steps to protect themselves from these types of bacteria. For one thing, you can be more discerning when it comes to the taking of antibiotics. If you suffer from a simple cough or even a minor case of the flu, don’t push your doctor to provide you with antibiotics. Not only will this not really treat the illness itself, but it could lead to the development of resistant organisms.
You can also take steps to limit your exposure to bacteria altogether. Cook your food all the way through and keep kitchen surfaces clean so that bacteria can’t fester and spread.