MFA Blogtag:,2009-03-04:/22013-05-16T22:32:21ZMovable Type 4.21-enVegan Picnic Tips That Pack a Punchtag:www.mfablog.org,2013://2.11082013-05-16T22:18:51Z2013-05-16T22:32:21ZOur amazing volunteer, Giannina Gonzalez, helps us plan the perfect spring picnic. Check it out! Planned or spontaneous, picnics are a fantastic way to enjoy both delicious meals and warm weather. Whether it's in the middle of a school day...Ari SolomonOur amazing volunteer, Giannina Gonzalez, helps us plan the perfect spring picnic. Check it out!
Planned or spontaneous, picnics are a fantastic way to enjoy both delicious meals and warm weather. Whether it's in the middle of a school day or during an office lunch break, we can all take advantage of the beautiful spring sunshine through daytime picnicking. Here are my tips on planning the perfect vegan picnic:
Haul a hearty sack full of whole wheat bread, vegan deli slices, fruits and veggies, and an assortment of condiments and dips to work or school and invite your colleagues or classmates to join you for lunch at a nearby park. Not only is this an excellent opportunity to introduce school or office mates to the delights of vegan eating, it's also a great way to build camaraderie. I also like to bring along delicious vegan chocolate chip cookies for an extra special treat!
Does your nearby park have a grill? Pack ready-to-grill veggie dogs, such as Tofurky Franks or Field Roast Frankfurters. In addition to being easy to cook, these meatless franks are sure to satisfy even the most staunch meat eater.
On-the-fly picnic? No worries. Order takeout from your favorite restaurant and pick it up on your way to the park. Big salads and tofu summer rolls make a fabulous springtime combo! Check out VegGuide.org for restaurants in your area that offer vegan options.
Weekend picnic with your pup? Check out DogFriendly.com to find parks that allow our canine pals to join in the fun! Be sure to pack doggie treats and plenty of water for your furry friend. (It can get hot out there!) On that note, bring along a pint of SO Delicious Cookie Dough Ice Cream so you can cool down too!
Vegan picnics are a fabulous way to revel in the spring sun, enjoy the company of friends and coworkers, and introduce colleagues to the vast assortment of lip-smacking vegan eats available at their neighborhood grocers. For more tips on creating easy-to-build picnic menus, visit ChooseVeg.com.
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Gross! Explosive Fecal Foam Threatens Farmers and Pigstag:www.mfablog.org,2013://2.11072013-05-16T21:41:10Z2013-05-16T21:57:52Z Factory farming just got a whole lot creepier and more terrifying. On many pig farms, a mysterious, foam-like substance has been appearing on top of manure pits. This gray, bubbling froth has raised fears among farmers because it can...Ari SolomonFactory farming just got a whole lot creepier and more terrifying. On many pig farms, a mysterious, foam-like substance has been appearing on top of manure pits. This gray, bubbling froth has raised fears among farmers because it can cause deadly explosions.
As manure breaks down, it releases noxious gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide. These gases trapped under foam can lead to sudden and catastrophic eruptions. According to a 2012 report, as of September 2011, half a dozen farms had experienced explosions, including one that killed 1,500 pigs and burned a farm worker.
Scientists and farmers are baffled as to what's creating the foam, which has now emerged at roughly 25 percent of pig factory farms across the country. Larry Jacobson, a university professor who has been studying the issue, has offered one dubious solution; he recommends using an antibiotic called monesin to treat the fecal froth. It's thought that the antibiotic works by altering the microbes present and thereby dissolving the foam.
On a personal note, I had to gag while writing this blog post. I'm sorry, but when you literally have the blob growing out of your poop pit, perhaps it's time to take a step back and reevaluate your operation.
Additionally, the overuse of antibiotics on factory farms has already alarmed doctors and scientists the world over. Dousing combustible fecal foam with pounds and pounds of antibiotics seems like just more recklessness.
Pigs suffer daily in slaughterhouses and on factory farms in horrible gestation crates. Now frothy frights threaten to blow up farmers and animals. Luckily, we can all do something about this by choosing to leave pigs and all other animals off of our plates.
For information on transitioning to healthy and humane, vegan diet, visit ChooseVeg.com.
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New Study: Arsenic-Laced Chicken Could Cause Cancer, Heart Disease, and Type-2 Diabetestag:www.mfablog.org,2013://2.11062013-05-15T22:30:51Z2013-05-15T22:35:16Z A recent Science Daily article details a study published by Environmental Health Perspectives which examines the widespread use of arsenic-based drugs to promote unnaturally rapid growth in chickens. According to the article, "Chronic inorganic arsenic exposure has been shown...Sarah Von AltA recent Science Daily article details a study published by Environmental Health Perspectives which examines the widespread use of arsenic-based drugs to promote unnaturally rapid growth in chickens.
According to the article, "Chronic inorganic arsenic exposure has been shown to cause lung, bladder and skin cancers and has been associated with other conditions as well, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cognitive deficits, and adverse pregnancy outcomes."
The article further explains that meat from conventionally raised chickens harbors four times more inorganic arsenic than meat from organically raised chickens (in which arsenicals are prohibited from use), showing a clear connection between inorganic arsenic levels in meat and the use of arsenical drugs on farms.
Unfortunately, chickens raised for meat, whether organic or conventional, are subject to much of the same inhumane treatment, including overcrowding, rough handling by workers, and having their throats slit at the slaughterhouse, often while fully conscious.
The best action consumers can take to avoid arsenic-laced chicken and prevent cruelty to animals is to adopt a delicious, plant-based diet. For mouthwatering recipes and tips, visit ChooseVeg.com.
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Leilani Munter: Vegan Speed Racer!tag:www.mfablog.org,2013://2.11052013-05-15T21:10:03Z2013-05-15T22:30:09ZNASCAR fans are in for a big surprise on the racetrack. Racer Leilani Munter, who is known for supporting environmental causes, plans to raise more than a few eyebrows when she debuts her "VegNation" racecar to promote a vegan lifestyle....Ari SolomonNASCAR fans are in for a big surprise on the racetrack. Racer Leilani Munter, who is known for supporting environmental causes, plans to raise more than a few eyebrows when she debuts her "VegNation" racecar to promote a vegan lifestyle.
In a culture that's known more for steak than seitan, Munter is looking forward to opening a dialog with racing enthusiasts about reducing their meat consumption and encouraging them to find vegan alternatives to the foods they already love. Munter explains: "If you were to look at my fridge, it would look very similar to somebody else just down the street. It's just my sausage links will be a vegan version of that."
Many of environmentalist Munter's fans have confided in her that they can't afford expensive electric cars or solar panels and feel frustrated about what they can do to help the planet. She plans on urging people to scale back on eating animal-based products by explaining their negative impacts on the environment and climate change.
She is also happy to talk to people about health and animal cruelty issues as well. "It's just better for our climate, the animals, our own bodies--whatever reason they decide to look at that change, that's what I want to focus on."
With support from the nonprofit group 1% for the Planet, NASCAR fans can look forward to VegNation hitting the track later this year. For more on Leilani Munter, visit carbonfreegirl.com. For tips on transitioning to a delicious and green, vegan diet, visit ChooseVeg.com.
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Breaking News: Tennessee Governor Vetoes "Constitutionally Suspect" Ag-Gag Billtag:www.mfablog.org,2013://2.11042013-05-13T17:18:49Z2013-05-13T19:18:40Z In a victory for farmed animals in Tennessee and nationwide, Tennessee governor Bill Haslam vetoed the state's ag-gag bill earlier this morning, citing constitutional concerns. Guised as a "mandatory reporting" law, the ag-gag bill was a desperate attempt by...Vandhana Bala
In a victory for farmed animals in Tennessee and nationwide, Tennessee governor Bill Haslam vetoed the state's ag-gag bill earlier this morning, citing constitutional concerns.
Guised as a "mandatory reporting" law, the ag-gag bill was a desperate attempt by pro-factory farm legislators to prevent the long-term undercover investigations into factory farms and slaughterhouses that routinely lead to criminal convictions of animal abusers. The sole purpose of the legislation was to sweep evidence of animal cruelty under the rug, shield animal abusers from public scrutiny, and keep the people of Tennessee in the dark about where their food comes from.
In a statement released this morning, Governor Haslam not only echoed the Tennessee attorney general's opinion that the ag-gag bill violated the First and Fifth Amendments to the US Constitution, but also questioned its true intent, acknowledging that the bill actually made it "more difficult to prosecute animal cruelty cases."
Governor Haslam's decision to veto the ag-gag bill comes after a massive outpouring of opposition to the legislation. Thousands of Tennessee residents, joined by celebrities such as Carrie Underwood, Emmylou Harris, and Ellen DeGeneres, called and emailed the governor's office, urging him to veto the bill.
Mercy For Animals praises Governor Haslam for putting the health and safety of Tennessee residents ahead of corporate profits by vetoing this dangerous and un-American legislation.
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Another Study Links Egg Consumption to Prostate Cancertag:www.mfablog.org,2013://2.11032013-05-13T17:05:13Z2013-05-13T17:12:52Z The egg industry is notoriously terrible for chickens, but more and more evidence suggests that it is terrible for men's prostates too. In an article entitled "Choline: Why Eggs May Worsen Prostate Cancer," vegan maven Kathy Freston illuminates the...Nora KramerThe egg industry is notoriously terrible for chickens, but more and more evidence suggests that it is terrible for men's prostates too.
In an article entitled "Choline: Why Eggs May Worsen Prostate Cancer," vegan maven Kathy Freston illuminates the findings of a recent Harvard University study of egg consumption and prostate cancer. The study, detailed in the prestigious American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, determined that men with early-stage prostate cancer, who on average ate at least one egg per day, doubled--yes, doubled--their risk of fatality from the disease.
Researchers believe choline, a naturally occurring compound found predominantly in animal products, accelerates the progression of cancer cells. The men who consumed the most eggs in the Harvard study more than doubled their risk of dying from prostate cancer, increasing their chances by 70%.
Reducing, or better yet, eliminating our consumption of eggs and other animal products is not only better for our health, it is also a lifesaver for animals and the planet. Visit ChooseVeg.com for tips, recipes, and resources on transitioning to a healthy and humane, vegan diet.
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Another Tragic Fire Kills 100,000 Baby Chickstag:www.mfablog.org,2013://2.11022013-05-11T17:04:07Z2013-05-11T17:14:09Z A recent fire at Moark Farms, a southern California egg factory farm, resulted in the heartbreaking deaths of about 100,000 baby chicks, who were just four days old and desperately trapped in the burning building. Firefighters at the scene...Nora KramerA recent fire at Moark Farms, a southern California egg factory farm, resulted in the heartbreaking deaths of about 100,000 baby chicks, who were just four days old and desperately trapped in the burning building.
Firefighters at the scene were able to put out the blaze before it spread to a second coop, which housed another 100,000 baby chicks. The fire is currently "under investigation," according to the LA Times.
This isn't the first time a Moark Farms factory warehouses has burst into flames. Less than a year before, a Moark facility in Colorado burned to the ground, killing almost half a million chickens. Moark is a wholly owned subsidiary of Land O'Lakes.
Sadly, there has been a shocking number of fires at egg factory farms around the country that have resulted in the mass deaths of an astonishing number of birds. In May 2011, MFA documented an Ohio barn fire that killed over 80,000 egg-laying hens. Another 250,000 birds had died a year earlier at Ohio's largest egg farm. A 2009 Texas fire caused over 800,000 birds to perish, and yet another in 2010 resulted in the death of a firefighter and countless birds.
The intensive confinement of animals on factory farms also makes them vulnerable to other deadly horrors. A Connecticut egg farm that collapsed in 2011 resulted in the deaths of 85,000 birds. A tornado that hit Buckeye Egg Farm in Ohio caused over a million birds to be trapped in mangled cages without access to food or water, leading the company to dispose of these live animals by throwing them into dumpsters. And just last year, owners of a Turlock egg factory farm abandoned their filthy facility and nearly 50,000 birds, who suffered without food for weeks. This case of neglect led to cruelty to animals charges against two workers.
Tragically, even farmed animals spared from such disasters face misery and doom due to the unconscionable cruelty inherent in factory farming.
Norco Ranch, one of Moark's operating companies, was the subject of an MFA undercover investigation in 2008 that revealed the company's blatant disregard for animal well-being: birds confined in tiny wire cages so small they couldn't walk or engage in other basic behaviors; ill birds denied veterinary care or proper attention; and workers killing birds by grabbing their necks and swinging them around in circles--attempts to break their necks, which often resulted in prolonged, painful deaths for the animals.
Fortunately, we need not support such large-scale, unimaginable suffering. Every time we eat we can choose to withdraw our support from an industry that flagrantly flouts the safety and well-being of the animals in its care. To find delicious, egg-free versions of your favorite foods, from french toast to cookies to egg salad sandwiches, visit ChooseVeg.com.
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Celebrating All Mothers on Mother's Day! tag:www.mfablog.org,2013://2.11002013-05-08T23:10:22Z2013-05-09T03:41:21Z Mother's Day is right around the corner, making this the perfect time to honor your mother by helping mothers of all species. Farmed animals, like all animals, have deep and meaningful bonds with their mothers. Mother hens take their...Sarah Von Alt Farmed animals, like all animals, have deep and meaningful bonds with their mothers. Mother hens take their chicks under their wings, providing protection, and chicks spend their first few weeks learning to scratch for food by observing the techniques of their mothers.
For cows, the first few minutes after birth can mark the beginning of a lifelong relationship between a mother cow and her calf. Like human mothers, cows carry their young for nine months and they suckle them for nine to twelve months.
Humans aren't the only species to learn from and admire their mothers, but we are the only species to deny other animals everything that is natural and important to them. Animal agriculture deprives hens of nesting material and a private space for laying an egg. Dairy cows are robbed of their calves so that their milk can be sold for human consumption. Pork producers confine mother sows in crates so small they cannot move for nearly their entire lives.
Fortunately, we all have the power to help mothers confined on factory farms by adopting a kind and compassionate vegan lifestyle. Visit ChooseVeg.com for delicious recipes to honor all mothers this Mother's Day.
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Plant-Based on a Budgettag:www.mfablog.org,2013://2.10992013-05-04T17:14:59Z2013-05-08T17:04:15Z After coming across these great articles on Huffington Post and NutritonFacts.org, I started thinking about all the amazing ways being vegan helps me save money. Here are my top tips for being plant-based on a budget: Cook! You know...Sarah Von AltAfter coming across these great articles on Huffington Post and NutritonFacts.org, I started thinking about all the amazing ways being vegan helps me save money. Here are my top tips for being plant-based on a budget:
Cook! You know that big white thing in your kitchen with four burners on top? It's called a stove. Invest a few hours in learning how to use it. Everyone knows that eating in saves tons of cash. Pick up a discounted cookbook or check out ChooseVeg.com for some fast and easy recipes and get cookin'.
Make a Shopping List. Sitting down and thinking about what you need from the store will not only help you stay within your budget, it'll keep you from impulse buys once you're at the supermarket. Make a list and stick to it.
Back to Basics. The least expensive items in the supermarket are the ones that don't come in a box. Fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, and beans are not only healthy for you, they're also super affordable. Make sure to go online and find a local farmer's market. Befriending a farmer and eating in season are more surefire ways to save cash.
Be a Globetrotter. You don't have to travel the world to enjoy international cuisine. From mexican to chinese, try your hand at dishes like bean enchiladas or kung pao tofu. They're easy to prepare, tasty, and inexpensive. Also, look for affordable, vegan-friendly ethnic restaurants in your neighborhood on VegGuide.org.
Cook in Large Batches.
If finding time to cook each day is challenging, schedule one or two kitchen days each week and cook in large batches. You can easily take leftovers for lunch or reheat them for an easy and quick dinner.
Plant a Garden. Even if that means just having five pots of nothing but tomatoes. This will save you money in the produce department, and you can't get any more local!
For more delicious vegan recipes and tips on cruelty-free eating, visit ChooseVeg.com.
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ACLU Attacks Ag Gagtag:www.mfablog.org,2013://2.10982013-05-03T21:21:26Z2013-05-06T17:19:22ZThe American Civil Liberties Union has come out strong against the wave of unconstitutional ag-gag bills that have been introduced and passed in some states, asserting such laws are "flagrant violations of the First Amendment." The ACLU, a nonpartisan charity...Nathan RunkleThe American Civil Liberties Union has come out strong against the wave of unconstitutional ag-gag bills that have been introduced and passed in some states, asserting such laws are "flagrant violations of the First Amendment." The ACLU, a nonpartisan charity dedicated to defending the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution, is encouraging Americans to "protect animals and free speech" by fighting the efforts of Big Ag to hide its cruel and often criminal practices from the public.
In a blog post spotlighted on the ACLU's home page, the organization states:
Taken together, these measures--which are law in six states, and have been introduced in 11 others--threaten to virtually eliminate undercover investigations into not just animal abuse, but labor practices, food safety, environmental pollution, and numerous other consumer and public welfare concerns. Worse, many ag-gag laws and bills are quite loose in their definition of agricultural operations, meaning they would cover not only factory farms and slaughterhouses, but even supermarkets and restaurants.
An ag-gag law that was enacted in Utah last year was recently cited to charge a woman for filming a slaughterhouse from the side of a public road. The mayor of Draper, Utah, who not so coincidentally owns the slaughterhouse, may have encouraged the charges, which were dropped following a massive public outcry. This shocking governmental overreach not only proves the intent of these laws is to keep the public from seeing how animals at factory farms and slaughterhouses are routinely abused, but it also prompted the Salt Lake Tribune to suggest federal inspectors take a look at this slaughter facility to determine what it is trying so desperately to hide.
While most of the ag-gag bills introduced in 2013 have been defeated, a bill pending in Tennessee is dangerously close to being signed into law by the governor. If you live in Tennessee, please contact Governor Haslam and ask him to veto Senate Bill 1248 and House Bill 1191. His office can be reached at 615-741-2001 and at bill.haslam@tn.gov.
And in Pennsylvania, an ag-gag bill was introduced yesterday that outlaws the dissemination of factory farm photos or video footage over the internet. This bill would make it a crime to upload and share videos like the one from MFA's 2009 investigation at Pennsylvania's Country View Family Farms, which shows workers throwing live piglets through the air, ripping out their testicles and cutting off their tails without painkillers, and confining thousands of pregnant pigs inside tiny metal gestation crates for nearly their entire lives.
If you live in Pennsylvania, please use this interactive map to find and contact your state legislators and urge them to reject Senate Bill 683.
What Else You Can Do to Help:
Expose Factory Farm Cruelty - Please share this video with as many people as you can and help expose the cruel and corrupt practices of factory farming industries.
Choose Vegetarian - Each time we eat, we can choose kindness over cruelty. Adopting a diet free of meat, dairy, and eggs is the single most powerful action you can take to prevent needless cruelty to farmed animals. Visit ChooseVeg.com for free recipes, tips on making the switch, and more.
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NYC Elementary School Makes Headlines for New, All-Vegetarian Menutag:www.mfablog.org,2013://2.10972013-05-03T18:36:03Z2013-05-03T18:58:52ZRecognizing the health benefits of vegetarian eating, and that its students enjoy eating meatless meals, elementary Public School 244 in Queens, NY, recently became the first public school in the country to implement an all-vegetarian menu for its cafeteria, drawing...Nora KramerRecognizing the health benefits of vegetarian eating, and that its students enjoy eating meatless meals, elementary Public School 244 in Queens, NY, recently became the first public school in the country to implement an all-vegetarian menu for its cafeteria, drawing the attention of the Wall Street Journal, ABC News, NBC News, and hundreds of other media outlets via the Associated Press.
Active Learning Elementary School, also known as P.S. 244, in Flushing, Queens, has prioritized healthy eating and began offering occasional vegetarian meals. Gradually the school increased its vegetarian meals as it became clear that the students enjoyed the healthier lunches.
"The founding of our school was based on health and nutrition and teaching kids how to make healthy choices in the belief that they would be more successful academically and in their life," school principal and co-founder Robert Groff said. "We discovered early on that our kids were gravitating toward our vegetarian offerings, and we kept expanding the program to meet the demand."
The new veg menu, including meals such as sesame tofu, braised black beans with plantains, and falafel with cucumber salad, has been received very well--much better than the "mystery meat" in a typical school lunch. As nine-year-old Marian Satti squealed to a reporter about her lunch, "This is so good!"
Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott had lunch at the cafeteria and praised the effort, calling on other schools to follow P.S. 244's lead. "That's what we want for our students... to make sure they eat healthy both at home and school," he said.
New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg has made healthier eating and addressing childhood obesity a priority, resulting in salad bars at 1,000 city public schools. Plans are in the works to expand this effort such that there will be salad bars at all 1,800 New York City public schools by the end of the next school year.
If you want to start eating as healthy as the kids of P.S. 244, while also helping animals and the planet, you can order a free Vegetarian Starter Guide or visit ChooseVeg.com.
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Code Brown: More than Half of All Ground Turkey Tests Positive for Fecal Bacteriatag:www.mfablog.org,2013://2.10962013-05-03T16:16:57Z2013-05-03T16:40:17ZOn the heels of the FDA's recent findings that 81 percent of raw, ground turkey is contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a new analysis released by Consumer Reports produced this disturbing result: In our first-ever lab analysis of ground turkey bought...Ari SolomonOn the heels of the FDA's recent findings that 81 percent of raw, ground turkey is contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a new analysis released by Consumer Reports produced this disturbing result:
In our first-ever lab analysis of ground turkey bought at retail stores nationwide, more than half of the packages of raw ground meat and patties tested positive for fecal bacteria. Some samples harbored other germs, including salmonella and staphylococcus aureus, two of the leading causes of foodborne illness in the U.S. Overall, 90 percent of the samples had one or more of the five bacteria for which we tested.
In addition to the new pathogens Consumer Reports detected, its analysis corroborated the FDA's recent findings, as many of the bacteria discovered displayed "a disturbing level of resistance to some conventional antibiotics."
With all this mounting evidence, it's becoming clear that turkey farming is a dirty business. And hygiene is only one problem. Undercover investigations conducted by Mercy For Animals inside turkey factory farms have revealed workers kicking and throwing turkeys, violently slamming them into tiny transport crates, and allowing sick or injured birds to slowly suffer and die without proper veterinary care.
Check out this video obtained by an MFA undercover investigator at a Butterball turkey facility:
The good news is that anyone can take a stand against this dreadful industry simply by boycotting its cruel products. For more information on transitioning to a compassionate and delicious, meat-free diet, visit ChooseVeg.com.
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New International Social Network to Promote a Vegan Lifestyletag:www.mfablog.org,2013://2.10942013-05-01T19:29:23Z2013-05-01T19:45:11Z An exciting, new social networking site called Bleat, which caters to vegans, is set to launch today! As its fun promotional video states, the site will "help all vegans live their lives to the fullest, make veganism become more...Nora KramerAn exciting, new social networking site called Bleat, which caters to vegans, is set to launch today! As its fun promotional video states, the site will "help all vegans live their lives to the fullest, make veganism become more mainstream, and spread the positive message of a healthy meat-free and cruelty-free lifestyle."
Bleat, an international resource created by British vegan advocates, recognizes the benefits of adopting a vegan lifestyle to animals, the environment, and human health. It exists to connect vegans to one another in order to share their knowledge and ideas, as well as to provide a vegan marketplace, health and dietary tips, animal rights news and campaign info, and inspiration to "get the absolute most from your vegan lifestyle."
Bleat also aims "to inform and educate non-vegans on how choosing a healthier, more compassionate, and more environmentally friendly lifestyle can have a massive impact not just on their life but also the planet."
To get onboard with this great new resource from the start, check out www.Ble.at and create a profile.
For more information about a vegan lifestyle, visit ChooseVeg.com or order your free Vegetarian Starter Guide today.
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Poultry Inspection: a Deadly Duty tag:www.mfablog.org,2013://2.10932013-05-01T17:55:31Z2013-05-03T04:52:48ZA harrowing story in the Washington Post details the sad demise of Jose Navarro, a federal poultry inspector who died from lung complications at just 37 years old. Navarro's death triggered a federal investigation into poultry facilities that have increased...Ari SolomonA harrowing story in the Washington Post details the sad demise of Jose Navarro, a federal poultry inspector who died from lung complications at just 37 years old.
Navarro's death triggered a federal investigation into poultry facilities that have increased the use of toxic, antibacterial chemicals. Such chemicals help eradicate contaminants that have increasingly slipped by inspectors as production line speeds have accelerated over the years. The US government is trying to determine whether, and to what extent, Navarro's death was hastened by dangerous agents he was exposed to on the job.
Another disturbing reality of US poultry inspection is the USDA's new guidelines for factory-scale slaughterhouses. Under the old plan, four inspectors were assigned to lines killing 140 birds per minute. But now, only one inspector is appointed to over 175 birds per minute. That means three fewer inspectors for a line that's running 25 percent faster.
Undercover investigations have revealed birds in slaughter facilities having their throats slit while still fully conscious, partly due to high-speed production lines that lead workers to improperly stun some birds and to miss others altogether. More birds are certain to suffer this awful fate with an increased speed of production.
Add to all of this the FDA's most recent findings that 81 percent of raw, ground turkey and 39 percent of chicken is contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and you have the perfect recipe for disaster.
The death of Jose Navarro is not only heartbreaking, but also draws attention to the fact that factory farming victimizes both humans and animals. Thankfully, there is something we can do about the industry's cruel and exploitative practices every time we sit down to eat. Switching to a healthy, vegan diet has never been easier. For more information on going veg, visit ChooseVeg.com. For restaurants in your area that offer vegan options, check out VegGuide.org.
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New York Times: Venture Capitalists Bet on Veganismtag:www.mfablog.org,2013://2.10922013-04-30T16:47:56Z2013-04-30T17:18:28Z A few months ago, Bloomberg Business Week reported on the investments of several venture capitalists in vegan startups. Growing ever more newsworthy, the topic was also covered by the New York Times in this past Sunday's business section.According to...Ari Solomon
Bloomberg Business Week reported on the investments of several venture capitalists in vegan startups. Growing ever more newsworthy, the topic was also covered by the New York Times in this past Sunday's business section.
According to the Times, venture capitalist cash was up 37 percent for food projects as compared with the previous year's numbers, with 350 million dollars invested. Josh Tetrick, the mastermind behind Beyond Eggs, a company aiming to create a plant-based alternative to chicken eggs, thinks investors seek an opportunity to help fix our "terribly broken" food system. He explains that whether it be in relation to how we treat animals, the planet, or our own health, our current food model is grossly subpar.
The Times also reports that wealthy investors expect to profit from the expanding population of people looking to reduce their meat consumption and incorporate more organic foods into their diets.
Other vegan companies profiled in the piece include Silicon Valley-based Lyrical Foods, which just debuted the first-ever vegan cheese--marketed under the name Kite Hill--to be featured in the Whole Foods cheese department. Beyond Meat, which had Microsoft mogul Bill Gates singing its praises earlier this year, and Sand Hill Foods, which promises veggie burgers that taste similar to beef, were also spotlighted by the Times.
With meat consumption on the decline, healthy vegan versions of traditional animal-derived foods are becoming more widely available. We don't have to wait, however, for any new product to hit the market before choosing to take a stand against the suffering endured by animals on factory farms. For information on transitioning to a delicious, vegan diet, visit ChooseVeg.com.
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Our amazing volunteer, Giannina Gonzalez, helps us plan the perfect spring picnic. Check it out!
