Dear Editor,
Health officials are blaming romaine lettuce for the recent E. coli outbreak that’s sickened at least 53 people in 16 states, so some people may not realize that meat production is the root cause of the problem.
Leafy greens don’t naturally harbor E. coli bacteria. It lives in the intestinal tracts and feces of warm-blooded animals. When cow, pig, or chicken manure is used to fertilize crops or leaks into waterways, fruits and vegetables can become contaminated. (Cross-contamination can also occur when produce is placed on the same surface as meat, or when someone doesn’t practice proper hygiene.)
As more people go vegan, fewer animals will be bred for food, lessening the threat of E. coli contamination. See www.PETA.org for more information and a free vegan starter kit.
Sincerely,
Heather Moore
The PETA Foundation
Norfolk, VA
