Get your mind out of the gutter. I am totally continuing my grocery store segment here and talking about chicken breasts. 🙂
A few months ago when I went to the Go Red For Women’s Luncheon and spoke about farming and food a concern that was voiced was the size of chicken breasts and how they are so big because they are pumped full of antibiotics and hormones.
Luckily, I had just listened to an amazing speaker on poultry production and my confidence was high. I always love when I get to use the information I just learned.
Lots of people worry about antibiotics and hormones in their meat. I have addressed hormones in beef here.
But what about chickens? What about the hormones used there…You might be surprised to know that..
Federal regulation prohibits the use of hormones in chickens.
So, when you see a package that says “No Added Hormones”, you should also notice beneath it will say that Federal regulation prohibits the use of hormones in poultry.
Are you feeling a little mislead? I know I am!
Chickens have no added hormones at all. And they use antibiotics as needed for sickness.
So, why such the big breast? Easy. Breeding.
As a society we have gradually started wanting “more” and “bigger” when it comes to food. So over time we have bred chickens to reflect those genetics. Hence the bigger chicken breasts.
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They have not been pumped full of hormones or antibiotics to make the breast bigger. Just as we breed dogs to get certain characteristics, chickens have been bred to have certain characteristics.
Just a little something to think about.
For more information on Poultry Production check out these websites. They are great!
National Chicken Council
Good Egg Project
Every person in the US needs to read this!! I am constantly amazed at how many people think all animals raised for meat are so pumped full of hormones & antibiotics that they just assume meat is bad for you.
Thanks for posting this!!
Exactly..definitely hoping this changes a few view points!