USDA Wants To Allow More Toxins In Organic Meat

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USDA Wants To Allow More Toxins In Organic Meat

 

7/21/06 Author: Pete Hisey Source: Meatingplace.com

 

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking comment on a proposed

rule that would expand by eight the number of allowable substances

used in treating livestock under the National Organic Program.

 

Among the additions:

 

* Atropine: Used as an antidote for organophosphate poisoning, usually

the result of exposure to pesticides. Atropine is an extract from the

plant atropa belladonna. The NOP consulted with both EPA and FDA about

the appropriateness of use of atropine and received approval.

 

* Bismuth subsalicyate: Used as an absorbant, anti-diarrhea drug, as

well as for relief from stomach ulcers. FDA advised NOP that bismuth

is approved for use in humans and could be approved for use in

livestock.

 

* Butorphanol: Used as painkiller prior to surgery. This is in a class

called opiate agonists, and is similar to morphine or fentanyl. It is

a significant aid in pain relief, but wears off quickly. The National

Organic Standards Board recommended use in organic livestock

production, but specified that the period between last use and either

slaughter or sale of milk be twice as long as recommended by FDA. USDA

does not believe that extension of the withdrawal period is necessary.

 

* Flunixin: Used in the treatment of inflammation or pyrexia. Flunixin

is non-narcotic and non-steroidal. It is a synthetic drug which breaks

down quickly and is removed from the body in urine. Again, NOSB

recommended a withdrawal period twice the length required by FDA, and

USDA disagreed.

 

* Furosemide: Used for treatment of udder and pulmonary edema. It is a

diuretic. Again, NOSB accepted the drug but requested an extended

withdrawal period. USDA, again, disagreed on the necessity for such an

extension.

 

* Magnesium hydroxide: For use as an antacid and laxative for use in

treatment of upset stomach and constipation. This is a naturally

occurring mineral.

 

* Peroxyacetic/paracetic acid: Used for facility and processing

equipment sanitation and as a topical disinfectant on animals and meat

and dairy products. Approved by FDA as an indirect food additive.

 

* Poloxalene: For treatment of bloat in cattle, it is a stool

softener, and can be used in emergency situations or as a preventative

as an addition to feed. It is synthetic. NOSB recommended that it be

approved only for emergency treatments; USDA wants it to be used for

preventative care as well.

 

Comments must be submitted by Sept. 15, 2006.

 

They may be mailed to Arthur Neal, Director of Program Administration

National Organic Program, USDA-AMS-TMP-NOP

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Room4008-So., Ag Stop 0268

Washington, DC 20250

Fax 202-205-7808

 

Patricia A. Doyle DVM, PhD

Bus Admin, Tropical Agricultural Economics

Univ of West Indies

http://www.healthliesexposed.com/articles/article_2006_07_21_5911.shtml