Like most folks, I was really surprised to learn that Trader Joe's sells meat from animals raised on antibiotics.   When I brought this issue up with a TJ's employee, his response was that the company offers its customers the choice of meat raised with or without antibiotics, which of course misses the point. 

Just as in humans, antibiotics should only be used to treat sick animals.  But on factory farms, antibiotics are mostly used to make animals grow faster, and to prevent them from getting sick in cramped, filthy living conditions. This misuse is contributing to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, creating superbugs that are immune to these antibiotics.  

Grocery stores like Trader Joe's can do their part to save these important drugs by ceasing to sell meat raised on antibiotics.   Not only would the company be doing the right thing to protect public health, but also living up to the expectations of its customers who would never think Trader Joe's would sell this kind of meat. 

TJ's is about to open its second store in Austin this week.  Will you help me send them a message?   Trader Joe's, do the right thing!  Stop selling meat raised on antibiotics.