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Netflix Documentary ‘Poisoned’ Investigates US Food Safety, Has Viewers Turning Vegan

Woman holding grocery basket in grocery store. New Netflix documentary 'Poisoned' highlights food safety issues in U.S

Recently, a documentary called “Poisoned” appeared on Netflix that investigates the inherent dangers of current food systems in the United States. The documentary highlights the lack of safety in the United States food system and the dangerous ways that food manufacturers and regulatory systems respond to food pathogens.

Source: Netflix/YouTube

‘Poisoned’ opens with statements by various people asserting that the United States food systems are some of the safest in the world. Nevertheless, throughout the rest of the documentary, viewers are presented with evidence showing the hidden dangers that remain lurking. One in six Americans still contract food poisoning each year according to the CDC. This is despite various regulations and government organizations that are supposed to ensure food safety. However, regulation is fragmented between several organizations. This results in increased difficulty when it comes to oversight. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local public health departments are all responsible for overseeing various aspects of food production and consumption. This creates a confusing and complex system. Additionally, political opposition to deregulating various food production industries (notably the cattle industry) further complicates matters.

Pathogens are not found only in animal products. Indeed, ‘Poisoned’ points out that E.Coli outbreaks are now more often caused by lettuce than beef. However, the animal agricultural industry still plays a significant role in these outbreaks. It is an open secret how animal agriculture in the United States treats animals. From grinding up male chicks alive, forcing mother pigs into gestation crates, and ripping baby cows away from their mothers, to denying adequate medical care to sick animals, factory farming is c large-scale violation of Animal rights. However, another reason this disgusting system needs to be broken is the potential for dangerous pathogens to spread on a massive scale. Many types of produce are often grown near large-scale cattle operations. This can lead to cross-contamination either through exposure to feces or through the use of water that has been contaminated with E. Coli. Birds and wild animals can also be linked to contamination

E.Coli contaminated produce is then taken through processing plants where it can infect machinery and other produce. Another reason produce is commonly linked to outbreaks of illness is because it is often eaten raw. In contrast, pathogens can often be cooked out of animal products.

Viewers of the ‘Poisoned’ documentary have been horrified. Many have vowed to adopt a vegan diet after disturbing footage in the video highlighting the abuse animals undergo in factory farms and unsanitary practices surrounding meat processing and sales. Every person who adopts a vegan diet can save up to 200 animals each year according to PETA.

Sign this petition to End Factory Farming in the U.S.!

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