Drugs found in baby food. Organic baby food a healthier bet.

Dairy-cows

If you have ever wondered why there is a general prohibition on the use of antibiotics in the organic supply chain, a study of baby food published by the University of Almeria (UAL) in Spain may provide the answer.

A report in the Food Chemistry journal showed that researchers had detected residues of antibiotics given to livestock in various samples of baby food made in Europe. Antibiotics, such as tilmicosine, or antiparasitic drugs, such as levamisole, are given to livestock in order to avoid illness but they can remain later in food. Although the concentration levels were very low, “it shows the need to control these products to guarantee food safety” said Antonia Garrido, Professor of Analytical Chemistry at UAL.

The study, which was conducted in Europe, highlights the importance of a zero-tolerance policy to veterinary drugs in food, as they can cause allergic reactions, resistance to antibiotics and other health problems.

So what can you do to ensure your food is safe?

We would recommend only choosing to eat organic foods wherever possible because animals must be free from antibiotics under certified organic farming.
Always check the label to make sure you are buying certified organic. That means you can be sure it has been audited and accredited.
Where you can, choose meat and meat products from Australia only. Australia has a zero tolerance policy where, for example, the European Commission has not regulated the levels of pesticides and other substances in animal based foods.

Obviously there is no cause for alarm, but it is another reminder of how invasive some of these chemicals can be to our food supply. It’s another reason why organic food, especially organic baby food, is a good choice as part of the diet for health conscious families. Bellamy’s Organic baby food range is produced in Australia from certified organic produce.

If you’d like to know more about Bellamy’s Organic baby formula, cereals and our other products click on this link. It will take you straight to our on-line store.

For more on the antibiotic story go to: http://www.ausfoodnews.com.au/2012/05/21/spanish-researchers-detect-animal-antibiotics-in-baby-food.html