A recent study published in Science Magazine showed that beef sold as “raised without antibiotics” might contain antibiotics.
Researchers from George Washington University tested urine samples at a slaughter facility of cattle from several feedlots that were destined for the “raised without antibiotics” (RWA) label, and they found approximately 15 percent of cattle tested positive for antibiotics.
The technicians tested animals enrolled in the “no antibiotics ever” program, with a subset also part of the Global Animal Partnership’s “Animal Welfare Certified” program.
The tests were conducted from Feb. 4 to Aug. 27, 2020, with cattle supplied from 33 feedlots, representing approximately 12 percent of the total RWA cattle produced in the U.S. A total of 699 animals were tested from 312 lots (mean lot size was 122 cattle, and two animals were tested per lot), representing approximately 12 percent of RWA beef production, or 38,219 head.
Using a rapid immunoassay that screens for 17 antibiotics commonly administered in feed and water, the study found: “Three feedyards (9 percent) had multiple lots in which all samples tested positive for antibiotics; 4 feedyards (12 percent) had all samples test positive in a single lot; 7 (21 percent) had a positive sample in more than one lot; and 14 (42 percent) had at least one animal test positive.”
Of the positive tests, 26 were analyzed to identify and quantify the specific antibiotics in the samples. The drug identified in 24 of the 26 samples was from the tetracycline family and ranged from less than 1 part per billion to 42 parts per billion.
“These findings provide empirical evidence that a material portion of beef products currently being marketed with RWA labels is from cattle that were treated with antibiotics,” the researchers said.
“Growing demand for RWA meats and poultry has the potential to curb antibiotic use in food-animal production; however, the integrity of the USDA’s RWA labels is being undermined by lax verification and enforcement,” the researchers concluded. “Until either the USDA acts to rigorously verify RWA claims or retailers eliminate their own safe harbor of ignorance, consumers should not rely on the accuracy of these labels.”
The antibiotic testing in the study was funded by Food In-Depth, a scientific food testing company working “to enable food transparency and the authentication of brand label claims.” The company was co-founded in 2020 by Bill Niman, who previously operated Niman Ranch. Kevin Lo, a veteran of Google and Facebook, serves as the CEO.
According to the study, the slaughter facility was an active participant in the testing, and the facility and the feedlots were not disclosed due to confidentiality agreements.
In a letter to USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Farm Action and the American Grassfed Association cited the Georgetown University study and said they are “deeply concerned” about the false labeling claims of RWA meat. The letter correlates the study with a previous announcement by Farm Action regarding antibiotics and drugs found in meat sold at Whole Foods.
“The study reported that 26 percent of cattle to be labeled in the ‘Global Animal Partnership’ program, a certifying program created and widely used by Whole Foods, came from feedlots with at least one positive test for antibiotics,” the letter read.
Farm Action and the American Grassfed Association are asking FSIS to contact Whole Foods to initiate a recall, and if they fail to initiate a recall, then FSIS has the “legal authority to detain and seize those products in commerce and should do so.” They are also calling on FSIS to investigate Whole Foods’ supply chain to substantiate all label claims. — Charles Wallace, WLJ editor
