Feeling sustainable? You might consider a main course that’s a little… different.
If it doesn’t bite (or squeeze) you first.
Plating up pythons: Researchers in Thailand and Vietnam recently conducted a study suggesting that python meat may be the answer to our global food crisis.
With many folks around the world concerned about the sustainability of a protein diet centered around beef, pork, and chicken, these scientists showed that python meat may be a great alternative (or addition).
According to the researchers, “our study suggests that python farming can not only complement existing livestock systems, but may offer better returns in terms of production efficiencies.”
According to Daniel Natusch, one of the leading researchers, the snakes “outperformed all mainstream agricultural species studied to date [regarding] some of the most important sustainability criteria.”
Because of the efficiency and inputs of this “livestock” species, raising snakes is apparently way less carbon-intensive than raising other animals. “These animals are extremely good converters of food,” noted Patrick Aust, another project lead. “They are specialists at making the most of very little.”
During the study, the snakes were fed weekly and measured and weighed over a 12-month period. On average, they gained 46 grams each day.
Along with a massive rate of gain, the females also produce 50-100 eggs each year… way more babies than a sow or cow.
Tastes like chicken? Maybe, but it definitely looks like chicken. According to Aust, a field-dressed python produces “two enormous slabs of white meat very similar to a chicken filet.”
And although snake meat is a staple in some tropical regions, the buy-in for North Americans and Europeans may be a bit, um, slow.
So, is snake the meat of the future? We’ll see.
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Congress to EPA: What’s Your BEEF with Meat Packers?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering new regulations that take aim at meat and poultry processors.
And some members of Congress have a BEEF with the EPA’s proposals.
The proposed rules: In late January, the EPA released the details of its proposed “Clean Water Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Meat and Poultry Products Point source category.”
Huh?
Basically, the EPA formally published its proposals to combat wastewater contaminants that come from slaughterhouses.
Okay… that makes more sense.
At the heart of the rules proposal is a concern from environmental groups about nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants that originate from slaughterhouses. In some cases, the wastewater goes directly into waterways. In other cases, the water goes to municipal wastewater treatment facilities.
But not everyone is on board with the EPA’s suggestions…
Congress responds: Last week, two U.S. representatives—Eric Burlison (MO) and Ron Estes (KS)—pushed back against the EPA and introduced the “Banning EPA’s Encroachment of Facilities (BEEF) Act.” If passed and signed by President Biden, the law would prohibit the EPA from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing the rule.
According to the lawmakers, the proposed rules place undue burden on small processors—costs that can be absorbed by larger companies.
Soundbite: “The… proposed regulation isn’t just an attack on family-run small businesses, it’s an attack on rural communities,” said Burlison. “These meat and poultry processors are the lifeblood of our communities. The BEEF Act… lets these hardworking Americans do what they do best, produce safe, affordable food for our families.”
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