January 2, 2003
		PCRM Sues Tyson over "natural" and "heart-healthy" claims The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), a leading health advocacy group, filed a suit on December 18 in San Francisco County Superior Court seeking an injunction against Tyson Foods Inc. The organization of doctors wants Tyson to stop claiming its chicken is all natural and to stop their claim that chicken is a "heart-healthy" food. PCRM has pointed out in their lawsuit that Tyson's chickens are given antibiotics beginning when they are still in eggs. PCRM has also noted that these antibiotics can cause adverse reactions in humans and is thought to contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistance in people Ed Nicholson, Tyson spokesperson, said that the USDA allows the claims the company makes and that they use antibiotics only in cases of illness. "We only use antibiotics to treat flocks that have been diagnosed with disease," he said. Also at issue is the claim that Tyson meat is "heart-healthy." PCRM has pointed out that no matter how a person prepares chicken, it has high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol. PCRM has asked that Tyson stops these claims and that the Arkansas-based poultry giant place labels warning people of possible damage to their health on its products and advertising. The FDA cites evidence that at least 5,000 Americans suffer effects each year from the use of drugs in "food" animals. The poultry industry feeds 10.5 million pounds of antibiotics and other drugs to chickens every year for nonmedical purposes, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. to learn more, visit PCRM's Health section