Why Researchers Are Warning About Thanksgiving Turkey
A survey reveals most Americans wouldn’t eat turkey in the event that they knew it was contaminated, but over half of store-bought turkey could include fecal micro organism.
Survey Reveals Shocking Findings on Turkey Contamination
A latest survey performed by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Morning Consult revealed that over 60% of U.S. adults say they’d keep away from eating turkey in the event that they knew it was contaminated with feces. However, client analysis signifies that greater than half of store-bought floor turkey comprises fecal micro organism.
The survey, performed from November 18 to 20 with 2,183 respondents, discovered that 82% plan to eat turkey for Thanksgiving. Among these, 87% belief their turkey can be freed from contaminants. Despite this confidence, 65% stated they’d doubtless keep away from turkey in the event that they have been conscious it contained fecal micro organism.
Research Highlights Alarming Turkey Safety Issues
In analysis performed by Consumer Reports in 2013, greater than half of store-bought packages of uncooked floor turkey meat and patties examined constructive for micro organism that point out fecal contamination. Although floor turkey was examined, entire turkey carcasses, like these bought for Thanksgiving, may be contaminated with fecal micro organism when the birds are slaughtered. A Physicians Committee study of poultry in 2012 confirmed comparable outcomes. Half of the hen merchandise marketed by 22 nationwide manufacturers and offered in 15 grocery retailer chains in 10 main U.S. cities contained hen feces, lab testing confirmed.
Health Risks Associated With Turkey Consumption
“While most people say they wouldn’t knowingly eat turkey contaminated with feces,” stated Roxanne Becker, MBChB, DipIBLM, with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, “greater than half the time, customers could also be unwittingly doing so. If that’s not sufficient to persuade individuals to maintain it off their plates, take into account this: E. coli in meat has been linked to urinary tract infections. And whereas it’s generally promoted as a healthy supply of protein, a single serving of turkey can include as much as 80 milligrams of cholesterol, a waxy substance that may clog arteries and result in coronary heart assault or stroke.”
Demographic Trends in Thanksgiving Preferences
Results of the brand new survey additionally present:
- Women, Gen Xers (born 1965-1980), and baby boomers (born 1946-1964) have been the least prone to say they’d eat turkey in the event that they knew it was contaminated.
- More than one in 4 respondents stated they’re prone to have a member of the family or visitor at their Thanksgiving desk this yr who follows a vegan food regimen.
- Gen Zers (born 1997-2012) and millennials (born 1981-1996) are extra doubtless than Gen Xers and baby boomers to say they’d wish to strive a vegetarian or vegan different to turkey.
Advocacy for Plant-Based Thanksgiving Alternatives
The Physicians Committee, a nationwide nonprofit health advocacy group of greater than 17,000 medical doctors, recommends customers take into account a totally plant-based and healthful Thanksgiving and get probably contaminated turkey, along with ldl cholesterol and saturated fats, off their plates.
“This holiday season, forgo the turkey,” Dr. Becker stated, “and let vegetables take center stage.”
The Physicians Committee website is a free supply of an abundance of healthful, plant-based Thanksgiving recipes, together with dishes similar to Vegan Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie, Zesty Cranberry Sauce, and Pumpkin Pie.