Letter: Let's declare our independence from meat products

Recent developments suggest that the occasion should be renamed National Food Poisoning Survival Day.

Meat products contaminated by deadly pathogens have been sickening millions of consumers annually and killing 9,000. A recent outbreak of Listeria poisoning was responsible for 100 illnesses, 15 deaths and 6 miscarriages in 22 states. With the year's heaviest meat consumption day looming, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is shifting its "Meat and Poultry Hotline" into high gear to help consumers survive the Fourth of July meat grilling ritual.

But there's more. Each year, 1.4 million Americans are killed by chronic diseases linked conclusively with consumption of animal products.

Our waterways are polluted and wildlife habitats destroyed by animal agriculture. Billions of animals suffer needlessly in factory farms.

Fortunately, American manufactures have developed a great variety of veggie burgers and soy dogs that are healthful, delicious, convenient, and available in every supermarket. Even major newspapers that depend on meat advertising tout these products as ideal July Fourth grilling fare.

On this Independence Day, let's declare our independence from the meat industry.

Let's explore the many benefits of meat substitutes, grains, vegetables, and fruits in our diet. Let's make a stand for the health of our family and our planet.

DEBBIE DILL

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