266. Squashing Superbugs: Building Resilience in Livestock Production

By 2050, experts predict that 10 million people will die of antibiotic-resistant infections—surpassing deaths from cancer. As the world continues to rebuild from the pandemic, it's more critical than ever that we address this growing crisis. Together we can work to strengthen our food systems and reduce the misuse of antibiotics. Event brought to you by Food Tank and Applegate. —Lena Brook, the Director of Food Campaigns, Healthy People & Thriving Communities Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council —Tiffany Derry, an American chef well-known for her appearances on Top Chef —John Ghingo, the CEO of Applegate, a natural and organic meat brand —Joel Gindo, who runs Free Happy Farm in South Dakota, where he raises pigs —Ramanan Laxminarayan, the Founder and Director of the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy —Ron Mardesen, a fifth-generation family farmer at A-Frame Acres in Iowa —Lance Price, a professor at George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health and the Founding Director of GW's Antibiotic Resistance Action Center. Moderated by Jane Black, who is a nationally known food writer and journalist, and myself. After two years of declines, the number of antibiotics given to animals is rising, according to recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) research. Antibiotic resistance is a global health crisis, and it's fueled by the overuse of antibiotics in livestock. In fact, more than 80% of antibiotics sold in the U.S. go to farm animals. And that number is growing: Sales jumped 11% between 2017 and 2019, according to the FDA.