Meat-eaters in the UK reportedly at risk of contracting deadly superbug

MEAT eaters in the UK could be at risk of the deadly superbug after traces of it were found in supermarket products.

An investigation discovered that some British pork has been infected with enterococci bacteria, according to Birmingham Live, on Wednesday, July 6.

In serious cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream infecting it and impacting both the heart and brain.

Tests found that more than 10 per cent of products had the strain which showed resistance to an antibiotic used to treat serious illnesses in humans.

Fera Sciences and World Animal Protection conducted the study. Whilst World Animal Protection charity is the author of the report.

Lindsay Duncan, the World Animal Protection farming campaigns manager said: “The samples showed that meat from labels with higher welfare practices such as RSPCA Assured and Organic/Soil Association had a lower resistance to a smaller range of antibiotics and labels with no assurance scheme or Red Tractor Assured had higher resistance.”

Lindsey added: “This indicates that antibiotics are being overused in low welfare farms to stop animals getting sick in poor conditions and exacerbating the world’s drug resistance crisis.”

“We’re calling on the UK Government to end the routine use of antibiotics on farm animals, as the EU has recently done, and to acknowledge that a reduction in animal product consumption is needed to address the countless issues caused by factory farming.”

Products tested include some that were marked ‘Red Tractor assured’ as well some organic lines.

Red Tractor, the UK’s biggest farm and food assurance scheme, is a not-for-profit company 

They develop standards based on science, evidence, best practice and legislation that cover animal welfare, food safety, traceability and environmental protection.

Around 50,000 British farmers are accredited to Red Tractor standards, which form the basis of buying and sourcing specifications for major supermarkets, household brands and restaurant chains, ultimately making life simpler for everyone.

Red Tractor claim: “We insist on rigorous production standards from farm to pack.”

“Use of any Plant Protection Products such as pesticides is strictly regulated and plans must be in place to minimise their use without compromising product quality.”

“We also ensure responsible use of animal medicines including antibiotics.”

“Only good quality, British food at its seasonal best carries our logo.”