March 27, 2019

University of Nevada Reno

Dear FDA,

The number of foodborne illnesses and transmittable diseases through airborne pathogens that are pushed on consumers, workers, and animals in animal agriculture is downright disgusting and should be addressed. To begin, a study conducted by UNC concluded that black Carolinians were one and a half times more likely to live near a hog pen then white Carolinians, as well as native residents being twice as likely, and Hispanic individuals being 1.39 times more likely. In just 2007 alone, the hogs of Duplin County produced twice as much human waste in New York City. If the insufferable amount of feces and urine weren’t enough for our POC citizens to endure, there have been several complaints from residents of “fecal residue on their houses and cars as well as disease and respiratory afflictions.” In January of 2015 a study showed “elevated levels of fecal bacteria in waterways near hog operations—and since this waste isn’t treated, it has a higher risk of causing hepatitis, typhoid, dysentery and other health problems.” 
Animals, just like humans, get sick. Because of the cramped environments that farmed animals are forced into, their likelihood of falling ill is more likely. Additionally, farmed animals are not bred for health, they're bred for size, and because of this genetics tend to mutate and cause many animals to develop cysts and cancers in which we consume regularly as there is not a fast and cheap way to discard cancerous lumps or cysts. All that can be done is the quick draining of cysts on the slaughter line, or hopefully, no one notices. Because animals are more likely to carry illness, they're typically pumped full of antibiotics to aid in the prevention of foodborne illnesses to humans. However, these drugs are only tested on animals, not humans. Therefore, in my opinions as well as many others, should be deemed unsafe. 
Workers in Tyson Foods, Perdue Farms, Pilgrim's Pride, and Sanderson Farms are denied breaks₇, as well as suffering from exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria which result in respiratory illness, and infection. The corporations such as the AHA, ADA, and the USDA which display a facade of charismatic care for the health of American citizens are all funded by animal-agriculture industries, even though they themselves admit to animal products not legally being able to be labeled healthy, nutritious, good for you, or even safe. This is increasingly untrue as the spread of illness and disease is rampant through animal-based agriculture. 
To resolve these matters, there need to be warnings and precautions taken so that fewer animals and people fall to illness. Warnings such as stickers on meat packaging labeling meat as being able to cause or spread certain illness or disease, as well as more strict regulations for pregnant woman consuming such products such as the warning on alcohol or cigarettes. Workers need to be ensured a safe, clean environment to work so that they do not succumb to such foodborne illnesses, as well as given proper slaughter times to be able to handle cysts or cancer if it does occur. Additionally, animals should not be mass produced in such a way so they are getting sick to the point of being riddled with cancer and puss pockets, as it is unhygienic and overall disgusting. Sustainability and health need to be brought forward for the greater good of our communities. 

From a concerned citizen,

Jaiden Christopher