Green-News: Tuesday 11.11.08
- Tyson Foods likes lying to customers! The world’s largest meat processor injects unborn chickens with antibiotics, but is suing the United States Department of Agriculture to let them keep their Antibiotic-Free label; via TreeHugger.
- Do you have a root cellar? Arguably, my entire apartment is a cellar. But root cellars are making a comeback! Cool dark rooms are excellent for storing and extending the life of fresh fruits and vegetables; from The New York Times.
- You know the planet is in trouble when even conservationist are overestimating wildlife habitat. South Korean researchers have determined there is LESS land available for conservation than we think; NewScientist reports.
- Boeing is giving biofeul a try. They’ll be studying the prospects of using renewable synthetic kerosene as jet fuel. Working with Rolls Royce they hope to develop a commercially viable product with the next few years; via GreenDaily.
- You can make yourself MENTAL trying to go green. I know, I’ve tried! So, for the equally frustrated, try these, buy in bulk, ride a bike or walk more, turn off unused appliances and ditch incandescent bulbs; from ENN.
- Scientists believe Oman rock, common to Papua New Guinea and California, could help offset greenhouse gas emissions. When carbon dioxide hits peridotite rock it is absorbed and turned into solid minerals; Reuters reports.
I work for Tyson Foods. Here is the response to your item:
Contrary to the Natural News report, there is no pending litigation by our company against USDA and our company is no longer producing chicken under a Raised Without Antibiotics label.
Like most companies in the poultry industry, including some involved organic chicken production, we vaccinate eggs before the birds hatch in order to prevent a virus known as Marek’s disease. A small amount of antibiotic is included in the vaccine to prevent cross-contamination between eggs during the vaccination process. According to USDA standards, chickens from eggs vaccinated in this manner can still qualify as organic, which is considered the gold standard for raising claims.
Any use of antibiotics in our chicken production is under direction of a veterinarian.