(Jan. 29, 2010) The CBS Evening News is set to air a story Feb. 3-4 on antibiotic use in livestock and poultry production.
The story will focus on CBS anchor Katie Couric’s visit to Koch's Turkey Farm in Tamaqua, Pa., which raises free-range and antibiotic-free turkeys. The segment also may include footage on Applegate Farms, a New Jersey producer of antibiotic-free, ready-to-eat foods including deli meats, bacon and hot dogs.
Couric also interviewed Dave Kronlage of Manchester, owner of Delaware County Meats. The company works with nearly a dozen farmers in raising quality pork marketed under the Delaware County Meats label. The farmers use anitibiotics in caring for the well-being of their animals.
CBS has been to Missouri, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and Denmark to research this story and is expected to focus on antibiotic use in pork and poultry production, according to industry groups that have been contacted by CBS.
While the piece will likely feature both sides of the story, it's expected to leave viewers with a negative perception of how and why antibiotics are used to care for livestock. It's also expected to include theories and opinions from some who believe antibiotic in livestock use poses a threat to food safety and human health.