This week’s recall of 36 million pounds of ground turkey by Cargill proves once again that our meat supply is not safe. The product has been linked to a nationwide outbreak of Salmonella that killed one person and sickened 76 thus far. With $108 billion in annual sales, Cargill is the world’s largest meat processor.

Salmonella bacteria are nurtured in the intestines of animals raised for food, and many strains are resistant to common antibiotics. The bacteria develop resistance through exposure to antibiotics used routinely to speed growth in these animals.

As a first step, the Food and Drug Administration must ban the routine use of antibiotics in raising animals. The European Union has adopted such a ban in 2006. The World Health Organization has recommended a worldwide phase-out.

But, the ultimate solution to Salmonella poisoning and a host of chronic killer diseases associated with meat consumption is to replace animal products in our diet with vegetables, fresh fruits, legumes, and grains. These foods contain all the nutrients we require, without deadly pathogens, antibiotics, pesticides, carcinogens, cholesterol, and saturated fats.

I found the websites www.tryveg.com and www.chooseveg.com most helpful in making the transition.

Bob Lovejoy, Buffalo

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