A meat diet can contribute to many diseases

Heather Moore
Published: July 9, 2008

I can save health officials — who are still trying to pinpoint the exact cause of the recent salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than 800 people in 36 states —both time and money. It’s the meat!

Tomatoes and other plant-based foods do not naturally harbor salmonella bacteria. Like E. coli, salmonella bacteria live in the intestinal tracts and feces of animals. When animal manure is used to fertilize crops or leaks into waterways, fruits and vegetables can become contaminated.

For consumers who are wary of food-borne bacteria, the solution is simple: Stop eating animal products.

Seventy percent of food poisoning is caused by contaminated meat. Case in point: More than 531,000 pounds of potentially E. coli-contaminated beef was recently recalled in at least 20 states.

As more people adopt a vegan diet, fewer animals will be bred for food, lessening the threat of yet another attack of the “killer tomatoes.”

To find out more, visit GoVeg.com.

Heather Moore
Senior Writer
People for the Ethical
Treatment of Animals
Norfolk