Multi-resistant germs on chicken meat: Experts call for reforms in animal husbandry

Multi-resistant germs on chicken meat: Experts call for reforms in animal husbandry

According to a report from www.rnd.de, the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (VZBV) sees reforms in animal husbandry as necessary after multi-resistant germs were found on chicken meat from the discounter Lidl. The animal protection organization Albert Schweitzer Foundation found multi-resistant germs on chicken meat from the Lidl supermarket group in samples. The germs were detected in 71 percent of the samples. In addition, dangerous pathogens such as salmonella and enterococci were found on many pieces of meat. The animal protection organization attributes the high germ load to the conditions in which chickens are raised, as in the event of illness, all animals in the stable are usually given antibiotics, which leads to the proliferation of resistant bacteria.

The consumer advice centers are therefore calling for the introduction of mandatory state animal health and welfare monitoring in slaughterhouses and animal stables. They argue that the authorities need to be better equipped to actually carry out the required controls and quickly remove products that are hazardous to health from the market.

These findings may have implications for the market, particularly for Lidl as a supermarket group, which announced improvements in housing conditions after the Albert Schweitzer Foundation's findings were announced. In addition, consumer attitudes toward chicken and other animal products could change, which could lead to a decline in sales.

It remains to be seen whether other supermarkets will have similar problems and how those responsible will respond to these challenges. The demand for transparent and hygienic production conditions could increase, and the regulatory requirements for animal husbandry could become more stringent. All of this could have a significant impact on the entire food industry.