It all started with a single group of caged hens and to date, 550 million eggs (and thousands of people) have been affected by salmonella. Salmonella infections generally result from ingesting contaminated food. Salmonella spreads very easily among large numbers of animals kept in a confined environment. Wright County, the plant where it all started, has over 7 million chickens that produce over 5 million eggs in one day. The chickens are kept in cages, trample in their own feces, and are fed a diet of bones, feathers, blood, and “guts” of chickens previously killed, with a nice mix of protein to keep it all together. Maybe it is time we re-think how our food supply is generated.
Check out Animal Welfare Approved, an organization dedicated to improving animal welfare and, thus, the human food supply. AWA certifies family farmers around the country who have pledged not to use feedlots, cages, or crates and raise their animals outdoors on pastures and ranges. In addition, AWA audits its farmers annually, to assure adherence to its standards. The animals are healthier, with a better diet, producing better food for you and your family.