3 Ways to Help Fight Antibiotic Resistant Superbugs

We asked Dr. Lance Price, Director of George Washington University’s Antibiotic Resistance Action Center, how each of us can help fight antibiotic resistant superbugs. 

The more antibiotics are used by both people and animals, the more likely bacteria can build up resistance putting these precious resources in jeopardy. Nearly 3 million Americans get sick each year with an antibiotic-resistant infection. That’s why it’s up to all of us to only use antibiotics when absolutely necessary.

1. Vote With Your Wallet

I can’t stress enough how impactful consumer demand is for changing antibiotic use practices in meat production. Support brands like Niman Ranch that have clear policies to not use antibiotics. Look for labels that read “raised without antibiotics” “no antibiotics ever” or “organic.”

2. Support Policy Change

That said, we can’t eat or buy our way out of this mess. We need robust government policies in place that require antibiotics to be used responsibly in people and animals. Policy change to save antibiotics can (and must) happen locally, on the state level and federally.

3. Only Use Antibiotics When Needed

Never demand an antibiotic from your doctor. If a medical provider prescribes antibiotics, always complete the full course. Remember, antibiotics are only effective at curing bacterial infections. The drugs are powerless against cold and flu.

Learn more:

• Listen: Chris Oliviero, the General Manager of Niman Ranch, and Ron Mardesen, an Iowa-based hog farmer with Niman Ranch, detail the benefits of a farming system that doesn’t overuse antibiotics for the Superbugs Unplugged podcast.
• Read: FoodPrint discusses the widespread use of antibiotics in livestock and what it will take to turn the tide.
• Watch: Niman Ranch’s founding hog farmer, Paul Willis, was a guest on Dr. Oz to share how he and other farmers in the Niman Ranch network raise happy and healthy pigs without antibiotics.