Americans Unknowingly Consume Turkey Contaminated with Fecal Bacteria

A recent survey conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Morning Consult reveals a contradiction in consumer behavior regarding turkey consumption. While 65% of adults surveyed said they wouldn’t eat turkey if they knew it was contaminated with fecal bacteria, past research shows that more than half of store-bought ground turkey packages test positive for such contamination.

The poll, conducted from November 18 to 20, included over 2,100 U.S. adults. Among respondents, 82% plan to eat turkey this Thanksgiving, and 87% trust it will be free from contaminants. Yet studies indicate that fecal bacteria are commonly present in turkey products. For instance, a 2013 Consumer Reports study found more than half of ground turkey tested positive for bacteria signaling fecal contamination. Similarly, earlier research from the Physicians Committee revealed widespread contamination in chicken products sold nationwide.

Dr. Roxanne Becker of the Physicians Committee emphasized the risks of consuming turkey, citing potential health consequences. “E. coli in meat has been linked to urinary tract infections,” she said. Additionally, she highlighted that turkey, often considered a healthy protein option, contains cholesterol levels that can contribute to heart disease.

Survey results also highlighted generational and dietary trends. Baby boomers and Gen Xers were the least likely to eat turkey if they knew it was contaminated, while younger generations—Gen Zers and millennials—showed more interest in trying plant-based alternatives. The survey also noted that over a quarter of respondents expect at least one vegan guest at their Thanksgiving table this year.

The Physicians Committee advocates for plant-based Thanksgiving meals, offering free recipes for dishes like Vegan Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie and Pumpkin Pie. “This holiday season, forgo the turkey,” urged Dr. Becker.

Want to enjoy a cruelty-free Thanksgiving? Try out one of these recipes:

• How to Make Awesome Veggie-Centric Main Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Feast
• 15 Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes With Gravy
• 10 Unique Thanksgiving Recipes Using Fennel!
• 10 Classic Thanksgiving Recipes Made Vegan!
• 15 Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipes For the Whole Family to Enjoy!

Latest Petitions to Sign:

• Petition: Tell Hawaii to Follow California’s Lead and Ban Octopus Farming
• Petition: Help Curb Floods Like We’ve Seen in Spain
• Petition: Tell Authorities to Send Captured Tiger to a Sanctuary Instead of a Zoo
• Petition: Help Pass the No Kings Act to Keep Presidents from Abusing Presidential Power
• Petition: Help Protect Gray Wolves in Washington
• Petition: Urge U.S. Authorities to Investigate Potential Turtle Trafficking Networks
• Petition: Demand Justice for Butchered Dolphin
• Petition: Demand Accountability for Florida Teen Who Waterboarded and Starved His Cat
• Petition: Tell Texas to Expand Pet-friendly Domestic Violence Shelters
• Petition: Demand Accountability for Man Who Brutally Abused and Murdered Cats in Singapore

Related Content:

• Baby Turkey Saved From a ‘Humane’ Farm Now Loves to Play With Her Dog Friends [Video]
• Sweet Pit Bull Loves Spoiling Her Flock of Baby Turkey Friends [Video]
• Former Worker at Pennsylvania Turkey Farms Pleads Guilty to Animal Cruelty After PETA Investigation
• Vegan Activist Joey Carbstrong Busts a Turkey Farm in Latest YouTube Video!

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!