Samples of U.S. Pork Found to Contain Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria

Recent consumer reports have revealed the presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria contamination in many pork chops and ground pork products in the U.S. The study also found some traces of a drug which is banned in many countries.

The study showed that antibiotic resistant bacteria were present in nearly 69% of pork chops. Ground pork samples were found to be positive for Yersinia enterocolitica, known to have caused infections in many Americans, mainly children.

Some of the bacteria found in the pork were also resistant to antibiotics. The bacteria present in pork samples were listeria, staph, salmonella, and enterococcus.

In nearly one-fifth of 240 additional pork products, researchers found reduced levels of the drug ractopamine, generally used to enhance lean muscle growth in pigs.

This drug is permitted in the U.S and some other countries, but is banned in several other nations due to its alleged connection to causing anxiety, rapid heart beat and restlessness.



Source: Medindia