This Scary Drug-Resistant Bacteria Was Just Found In British Pork

 This Scary Drug-Resistant Bacteria Was Just Found In British Pork  

When it comes to pork, food poisoning, rinsing, and imminent expiration dates aren't the only concerns you have to consider.

A recent survey detected traces of an increasingly widespread and dangerous bacteria in select British pork products. Researchers at Fera Science and World Animal Protection tested 103 samples of all kinds of pork from various supermarkets in the United Kingdom. According to the World Animal Protection, these samples included organic and RSPCA assured pork, non-assured meats, and Red Tractor assured products. Red Tractor refers to meats that have met set standards for farming and quality, per Red Tractor.

Of these 103 samples, 25 were infected with enterococci bacteria. Of those, 23 also contained traces of superbugs: antibiotic-resistant bacteria with potentially life-threatening consequences. Bloomberg reported that the health and science community has grown increasingly concerned about such superbugs; infections unable to respond to treatments kill more than 1.2 million people annually.

Enterococci bacteria is increasingly concerning — and may have a common cause

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According to The Guardian, enterococci bacteria are known to cause UTIs and wound infections — and are more prevalent than previously believed. A 2018 government survey detected enterococci resistant to vancomycin, an antibiotic, in a small percentage of tested pork and poultry products. Yet the latest tests found traces of glycopeptide-resistant superbugs — which encompass vancomycin-resistant bacteria — in 13 of the 103 samples.

These samples also included organic meat, suggesting that no product is immune to the bacteria's impact. It's worth noting, however, that the organic and RSPCA verified porks were overall less antibiotic resistant than the non-assured and Red Tractor meats (via the World Animal Protection).

Yet regardless of the kind of pork, the surge in superbugs may stem from a similar cause.

"This could indicate that antibiotics are being overused in low welfare farms to stop animals getting sick in poor conditions and exasperating the world's drug resistance crisis," said Lindsay Duncan, Farming Campaigns Manager for the World Animal Protection (per the World Animal Protection). Duncan called for the U.K. to halt antibiotic usage on farm animals, as well as to reduce animal product consumption.

So as the U.K. responds to the bacterial findings, it may be best to table your next pork endeavor. 

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10 Best Store-Bought Steak Rubs, Ranked

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BY JESSICA L. PAVIA/JUNE 30, 2022 4:17 PM EDT

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The best part of summer has to be, without a doubt, grilling. There's nothing better than enjoying the warm weather by standing outside, listening to birdsong, and watching the trees wave while making delicious food to share with your family and friends. Everything is better on the grill — from veggies to seafood and even flatbreads. But what's especially heavenly on the grill is steak.

Yes, you could keep things simple with just salt and pepper, but why not take the summer to try out some new steak rubs? Sometimes, the best option is to mix up a few spices you already have in the pantry or cupboard. You're able to individualize the rub to your personal tastes and can see what's making it into the final product. This three-ingredient one keeps it simple.

But, if you want something store-bought and simple, then we've got the ranked list for you from "worst" to best — worst in quotation marks because they're not necessarily bad, but just not as good (for various reasons) as the higher-ranking rubs.

Bolner's Fiesta Uncle Chris' Gourmet Steak Seasoning

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The reviews are in, and people are hooked (via Amazon). Why then, does it rank so low? Not because it isn't delicious, because it certainly is: This rub is bold and delicious, a blend of onion, garlic, salt, and pepper, and even some lemon zest to add a bit of zing to your steak.

Read More: https://www.tastingtable.com/913676/best-store-bought-steak-rubs-ranked/?utm_campaign=clip