Published on
Updated
Reading 2 mins.
in collaboration with
Alexandra Murcier (Liberal dietitian-nutritionist)
Medical validation:
November 16, 2022
This Monday, an explosive investigation on France 5 revealed the hidden side of our drugs. Nearly half of the antibiotics marketed in the country are given to caged animals.
A rabbit simmered with antibiotics, anyone? In France, 40% of medicines are devoted to veterinary health. In other words, they are given to animals – especially rabbits – to make them fat quickly and protect them from disease. At least that’s what the documentary “Sur le Front”, hosted by journalist Hugo Clément, revealed.
Antibiotics and building disinfectant
The breeder filmed during the report does not endorse the system of which he is a part. However, it is impossible for him to remove the antibiotics – this stop would expose his rabbit farm to fatal contamination.
“The more antibiotics are used for prevention, the more the animals get used to them and the more they will have to be given in the future.“, he warns.
Another surprising revelation: the breeder indicates that he dissolves Virkon, a powerful bactericidal and virucidal disinfectant for buildings, in the rabbits’ water.
“I get supplies from the vet like I would buy a baguette…“, he underlines. His veterinarian even told him: “I’d rather you put disinfectant than antibiotics, it’s better for the consumer.”
The farmer, annoyed, confides that it is necessary “denounce things, show consumers what we produce and what they eat“.
If it is now impossible to spot contaminated meat on the shelves and even to protect yourself from traces of medication in general (found in particular in tap water), some nutritional advice can reduce the amount of risks.
What meat should be favored on the shelves?
“In the first place, preference should be given to French meat. It contains a little less antibiotics than that of our European neighbours. Short channels (small farmers, AMAP, neighborhood butchers) are then to be preferred to know the origin of your meat. This will give you a better chance of finding good quality pieces. Finally, we must favor organic… but also reduce our meat consumption“, says Alexandra Murcier.
The right ratio? Consume 50% animal protein and 50% vegetable protein. This amounts, over a week, to consuming meat every 2 to 3 days. Without forgetting to diversify the animal sources: fish, eggs, shellfish, tofu… to vary the pleasures and maintain a good health capital.