Congressman Israel Wants Turkey Arsenic Study Sped Up

By Pam Robinson

Congressman Steve Israel (D-Huntington) on Wednesday urged the the Food and Drug Administration  to complete a study on the  use of an arsenic-based drug on turkeys and other poultry.

Israel said he wants the  study of nitarsone to be completed by the end of the year. The drug is used to prevent the disease blackhead.  The FDA  recently withdrew approval for three other arsenic-based drugs because arsenic is known to be a carcinogen.

At a press conference Wednesday, Israel also urged the FDA to work towards alternatives in the marketplace.

"Americans shouldn't have to worry that their Thanksgiving turkey contains carcinogens," Israel said. "The FDA needs to provide answers on the safety of nitarsone and offer alternative options that prevent disease in turkeys but are healthy for consumers."

Dr. Kenneth Spaeth, director of occupational and environmental medicine at the North Shore-LIJ Health System said, “Use of these arsenic-based animal feed additives are already banned in some states. It is time for more rigorous national efforts to ensure a reduction in the arsenic in our diets.”

 Israel is calling on the FDA to promptly finish its studies on nitarsone and to ensure that the studies address whether use of this drug increases concentrations of inorganic arsenic in edible turkey meat. 

 He is also calling for the FDA to work with the poultry industry and consumer protection advocates on identifying a healthier alternative so that we can maintain both the health of our nation’s poultry supply and consumers alike.