Think twice about that burger you’re eating…
Dylan Pearce
Pd. 3
3-17-09
Researchers initially said levels of Zeranol, a growth hormone fed to cattle, found in beef were “57,000 times less, literally, than what the FDA has determined is safe.” That’s a huge number to be allowed to be given legally to the cows. Zeranol, and many other growth hormones, are mixed in to feed for the cattle to make them grow fatter faster, ultimately saving money. Now Zeranol isn’t directly linked to any specific diseases, but there is a scare about its connection to breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, in the world.
In Europe, growth hormones are prohibited to be used by farmers. So why can’t we prohibit them here? Farmers argue the supply and demand of beef is where it all comes into play, but I’d rather slow down on fast food rather than voluntarily put my health at risk. If a growth hormone is developed that is some-how processed out of the cow by the time its served to us, the consumer, then I might change my opinion, but to let the growth hormones affect our health in negative ways just to make a “buck” is unethical. Right now the FDA is undergoing a huge follow-up test to the sudden publicity of these growth hormones. Research differs from each study but all say at least that it’s lower than FDA standards.
Now don’t take this essay in the wrong terms, nothing has been proven from the test yet that growth hormones like Zeranol are directly connected to possible health concerns, but have had many eye brows raised over the situation. Honestly if the FDA would even think of a possible food scare than they would recall and test, so we may have nothing to worry about, but think about that the next time you’re eating a burger from your favorite restaurant.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/05/20/eveningnews/main554857.shtml
http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/hormones/
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_5543.cfm
March 18th, 2009 at 8:09 am
Dylan,
I think you did a good job on your writing. There are some things I’m unsure about though. Although the farmers don’t want zeranol to be illegal, why wouldn’t the FDA promote it. If its giving women breast cancer what is stopping them. Although they aren’t protecting us in that sense, I think its good that they would recall it if they thought we were at any risk. I liked your essay overall.
March 18th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Dylan,
wow this information is extremely shocking. I really like how informative you are with this paper. One question though FDA approving this zeranol would make it have to go through chemical process with scientist. So would this cause farmers and FDA to clash? And i totally agree with the article i am never eating another burger for a while.
Thank you for informing me with these facts.
Lindsay Huey
March 23rd, 2009 at 8:01 am
Dylan, I think you proved a really good point in this essay; why would we want to risk our health if we could just let the cow grow naturally instead of feeding it growth hormones? Just to let the farmers have a little extra money while in turn we’re risking our health is unethical, i will agree with that too. I would ask the same question as you; if growth hormones are prohibited in Europe, why not here? I think you did a really good job of informing me of what you are trying to say, and i will definitely think twice before i ever eat .. any type of meat. Good job!
March 23rd, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Dylan, you did a really good job getting your point across. Your essay was like I was at a “lectuar” and someone was actually directly taking to me. You made a good point about why would we want to risk our health if we could just the cow grow freely instead of giving it growth hormones and maybe increasing our risk in getting a disease. I also agree with Haylee, if growth hormones are prohibited in Europe, why are’t they prohibited here? Just something to think about. Good Job!!
March 27th, 2009 at 7:28 am
To all,
Thank you for the comments, feed back is always appreciated. I researched more, but could never get a clear answer on why Europe has the band, but we don’t. This information shocked me at first too, when picked this as my topic a didn’t realize what I was getting into. Thanks again.
Dylan
March 30th, 2009 at 8:10 am
In my opinion,the only possible reason for using growth hormones is for profit. I really think that there should be a mandate on food that would give the consumer more information concerning the use of growth hormones and other additives.