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Choose 100% certified organic meat, milk and produce.

Organic crops are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, while cows and poultry are fed only 100% certified organic feed that is antibiotic- and hormone-free. Look for labels that say "Certified Organic," your guarantee that the grower adheres to specific organic production standards and is monitored by an independent certification agency. Many major supermarket chains have organic sections.

Handle your food carefully.

• Serve hot foods hot (140 degrees F) and cold foods cold (40 degrees F). Temperatures in between breed bacteria.
• Cook meat and fish thoroughly to kill bacteria completely. Use a thermometer to be sure. Internal temperatures should reach:
  • 145 degrees for whole cuts of beef, lamb and veal
  • 160 degrees for ground beef and pork (beef should not be pink inside)
  • 165 degrees for ground poultry
  • 170 degrees for poultry breasts
  • 180 degrees for whole poultry
• In recipes that call for raw eggs, use pasteurized egg products instead.
• Avoid cross-contamination: Wash your hands with hot, soapy water before you handle food and again after handling raw meat and eggs. Use a separate cutting board for meat only. Wash utensils and dishes that have touched raw meat or eggs before using on vegetables.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly in soap and warm water, even if you will peel them.
• For more information on safe practices, visit the U.S. government gateway to food safety.
• Don't allow your children to touch packages of raw meat, poultry and fish. If they do touch it, wash their hands right away with warm water and scrubbing.

Avoid antibiotics for nonspecific or viral infections.

Misuse of antibiotics among humans also contributes to the problem of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics don’t work on viruses, such as those that cause colds. Don't demand antibiotics if your doctor feels they are unnecessary.

When antibiotics are prescribed, make sure to take the entire course.

Bacteria exposed to a non-lethal dose of an antibiotic are more likely to become resistant.

The problem of antibiotic-resistance is very much a public policy issue. We can help our children's health by making our voices heard.

• Ask the FDA to move forward on banning the use of medically important antibiotics in agriculture. 
  • Write to the FDA Commissioner.
  • Visit the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
  • Write the Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food & Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855-2773; or call 301-594-1755 or FDA main number 888-INFO-FDA.

• Ask Congress to develop and pass laws to control antibiotic use in agriculture. Contact your Congressional Representative now.
• Ask the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to control run-off from "factory" livestock farms under the Clean Water Act. Send your comments to: Environmental Protection Agency, Ariel Rios Bldg, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20460.

Image Courtesy of Nikoretro.

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