Would you like antibiotics with your lemons?

Last week the New York Times reported that citrus farmers facing an outbreak of deadly bacteria have turned to antibiotics to treat their crops. For context, these antibiotics are used to treat syphilis, tuberculosis and urinary tract infections.

Since 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency has allowed Florida citrus farmers to use certain antibiotics on an emergency basis. However, in December, under President Trump, the EPA gave approval for a much broader use across citrus-producing states. This was in spite of strenuous objections from the FDA, who warn that the heavy use of antimicrobial drugs in agriculture could fuel antibiotic resistance in humans.

So, what does all this mean for us? Whilst lowering our sanitary and welfare standards in the UK is a possible, and scary, concession in any post-Brexit trade deals, the best we can do now is to try to connect as much as possible with the food we are buying, and to shop seasonally wherever possible. Have a read of our guide to reconnecting with our food chain, as well as our August shopping list.