AR-News: (US) HI:Hawaii considers investigation of antibiotics and hormones in chickens

[cathy goeggel]

      Hawaii considers investigation of antibiotics and hormones in chickens

      by Ann Bagel on 3/30/04 for Meatingplace.com

      The Hawaii House of Representatives is considering a resolution asking
the state's health department to investigate the use of growth hormones and
antibiotics in chickens.

      The resolution was introduced last week and heads to the House Health
Committee this week.

      The resolution states that many growth hormones used in the United
States are banned in the European Union. It also says that residue from such
hormones may be present in meat and become hazardous to humans. For example,
some anabolic steroids are thought to cause cancer at high concentrations.

      In addition, the resolution cites a suspicion that growth hormones,
which promote fast growth and obesity in chickens, may cause obesity in
humans who eat those chickens. It also states that stopping the use of
antibiotic growth promoters would help preserve and increase the
effectiveness of antibiotics in humans, preventing the development of
antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

      If the Hawaii legislature approves the resolution, the Hawaii
Department of Health will submit a report and possible legislation in
connection with its findings by next January.






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