The second panel discussion of the USFRA New York Food Dialogues has concluded. The topic was the use of antibiotics and food. Backstage I caught up with a several of our panelists. I spoke with Dr. Keith Ayoob, pediatric nutritionist, Albert Einstein School of Medicine, Dr. Christine Hoang, DVM, MPH, CPH, assistant director of the Division of Scientific Activities of the American Veterinary Medical Association and Jean Halloran, director of food policy initiatives, Consumers Union.

Christine thinks that a lot of misconceptions about antibiotic use in animals was cleared up today. She was really puzzled by the repeated reference to using antibiotics to “increase profits” when the reality is that they are used to take good care of animals just like in humans. Keith says it’s difficult to have this kind of dialogue anywhere else but without it progress can’t be made.

You can listen to my interview with Keith and Christine here: Interview with Dr. Keith Ayoob and Dr. Christine Hoang

Jean thinks the panel really focused on the issues being discussed today on the subject of antibiotics. She points to her organization’s campaign called the “Meat without Drugs Campaign” which is directed at supermarkets. What do you think of this concept?

You can listen to my interview with Jean Halloran here: Interview with Jean Halloran

All media and well, just anyone, is free to use my photos and share: 2012 USFRA Annual Mtg. & Food Dialogues Photo Album