In a commentary paper published this month, the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) discusses "The Direct Relationship between Animal Health and Food Safety Outcomes".
The paper states that 'significant changes to livestock production practices ... including modification of stocking densities, limitations on antimicrobial use, and requirements for outdoor "experiences" ...may affect animal health, productivity and food quality' and calls for further research into these issues.
More specifically the authors conclude: 'chronically, previously, and not visibly ill animals are more likely to be contaminated with foodborne pathogens after processing in the abattoir (slaughterhouse). These animals, however, may go unnoticed during antemortem (live animal) inspection, and thus questions arise concerning the potential impacts of these animals entering the food supply on public health risk from foodborne pathogens.'
The report is one more testimony to the TAFS viewpoint that safe food stems from healthy animals.
Source:
Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST). 2012. The Direct Relationship between Animal Health and Food Safety Outcomes. CAST Commentary QTA2012-1. CAST, Ames, Iowa.
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