Big Chicken

March 14, 2019 11:14 AM - by Maryn McKenna

In this eye-opening exposé, acclaimed health journalist and National Geographic contributor Maryn McKenna documents how antibiotics transformed chicken from local delicacy to industrial commodity—and human health threat—uncovering the ways we can make America's favorite meat safer again. What you eat matters—for your health, for the environment, and for future generations. In this riveting investigative narrative, McKenna dives deep into the world of modern agriculture by way of chicken: from the farm where it's raised directly to your dinner table.

Consumed more than any other meat in the United States, chicken is emblematic of today's mass food-processing practices and their profound influence on our lives and health. Tracing its meteoric rise from scarce treat to ubiquitous global commodity, McKenna reveals the astounding role of antibiotics in industrial farming, documenting how and why "wonder drugs" revolutionized the way the world eats—and not necessarily for the better. Rich with scientific, historical, and cultural insights, this spellbinding cautionary tale shines a light on one of America's favorite foods—and shows us the way to safer, healthier eating for ourselves and our children.

posted by Homo neanderthalensis (1 comment total)

This is a really deep dive into the history and possible future of the chicken and antibiotics, two initially unrelated things which became entwined a while back, and now seem inseparable. It's very well researched, and unlike a lot of books in this type of genre, pretty easy to read as a bonus. Also unlike a lot of books in this genre, it's not 1000% doom-and-gloom about a problem, McKenna tries to outline what we as consumers and what we as farmers and what we as government can do about the problem of antibiotic overuse, and it all seems doable if difficult. Come for the hot-button topic, stay for a fascinating account of how the humble chicken ended up in every pot.
posted by Homo neanderthalensis at 11:18 AM on March 14, 2019 [2 favorites]