FDA: Drugs 'not safe for humans' can be fed to livestock right before slaughter
Alternet - 2/3/2010. By Martha Rosenberg – While researchers and scientists investigate the cause of our diabetes, obesity, asthma and ADHD epidemics, they should ask why the FDA approved a livestock drug banned in 160 nations and responsible for hyperactivity, muscle breakdown and 10 percent mortality in pigs, according to angry farmers who phoned the manufacturer. The beta agonist ractopamine, a repartitioning agent that increases protein synthesis, was recruited for livestock use when researchers found the drug, used in asthma, made mice more muscular says Beef magazine. |
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Court’s ruling could help us rebuild communities
Bangor Daily News - 2/3/2010.Op-ed by Jane Livingston – In one fell swoop, the Supreme Court just sacked pretty much all the victories won in the past few decades by advocates for clean and sustainable air, water and food, safe workplaces, fair trade and equal access for all to the good American life, including good health, education, housing and, in essence, all of the freedoms guar-anteed us in our Constitution. Now all are put at grave risk, because the court saw fit to roll back a 20-year old law that banned corporations from directly giving money to candidates running for public office, turning our political system into a livestock auction. |
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EPA Faces Lawsuits Over Pesticide Harms, Soot
Environmental News Service - 2/2/2010. The nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity has put the U.S. EPA on notice that it intends to sue the agency for failing to adequately evaluate and regulate nearly 400 pesticides harmful to hundreds of endangered species across the country as well as human beings.
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Bill prompts soul-searching among farmers, markets
Village Soup - 2/2/2010. By Ethan Andrews – Belfast: "I used to be a reporter. I love words and I'll argue about words with anybody. And I've never had so much fun arguing about two words." So said Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture Ned Porter during a recent session at the Maine Farmers Market Convention, held at the University of Maine Hutchinson Center. The words Porter was referring to were "farmers" and "market." Together they are the subject of LD 1586 "An Act To Amend the Definition of 'Farmers' Market'." |
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