On Wednesday, FACT and our allies filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking an end to the use of antibiotics in animal feed-a practice that contributes to the rise of drug-resistant superbugs and endangers the health of our families. Roughly 70 percent of all antibiotics used in the United States are given to healthy farm animals to promote faster growth and compensate for unsanitary conditions.

In 1977 the FDA concluded that adding low-doses of antibiotics used in human medicine to animal feed raised the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria - and then allowed the practice to continue. In 1999 and 2005 FACT and colleague groups petitioned the FDA seeking a ban on this factory farm drug abuse. Again, the FDA did nothing. The lawsuit states that the FDA has not met its legal responsibility to protect public health and, if successful, would require the agency to ban the routine use of penicillin and tetracyclines and to respond to the two petitions. The lawsuit has been covered in the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal, other major media outlets - and by the pork industry.

Until our leaders find the courage to stand up for farm animal welfare and public health, life on factory farms will continue as usual. This is not acceptable. Help FACT pressure the FDA to ban the use of antibiotics with healthy animals. Take Action today!

Need to find some chicken to grill for your Memorial Day barbeque? Do you need eggs for the picnic you are planning? Why not make your summer traditions humane.

Farmers' markets continue to grow in popularity and are an excellent venue for humane farmers to sell their products. These markets provide the critical connection between consumers and the farmers who grow and raise their food, something you can't find in a grocery store. They also give consumers a chance to ask farmers how they grow their produce and raise their animals. FACT's has suggestions to help make the most humane and sustainable choices when shopping. Check out our webpage on "Supporting local farmers" and shop consciously this summer!

FACT supporters who donate $25 or more online until the end of May will receive the book, CAFO: The Tragedy of Industrial Animal Factories.

This 450-page, full color hardcover book retails at $50 and provides an unprecedented view of concentrated animal feeding operations - where increasing amounts of the world's meat, milk, eggs, and seafood are produced. It features essays by today's leading thinkers on food and agriculture including Wendell Berry, and Michael Pollan, and offers a compelling vision for a healthier food system. Whether it is for your personal use or to share with others, the book's ultimate message is clear: we can and certainly must do better.

This offer is good for the first 50 donors so make a contribution today! Email Jacki Rossi if you have any questions.

FACT is happy to announce that we are part of the eBay Giving Works program. You can support our mission when you buy and sell on eBay.

Here's how:

Sell: You can support FACT when you sell on eBay. Just designate our organization to receive 10 to100% of your final sale price the next time you list something for sale. Simply list an item, select "Food Animal Concerns Trust" as the designated charity, and choose the percentage you would like to give.

Buy: You can find whatever you're looking for on eBay - from baseball cards to cars and more. When you do, shop for items that benefit us. You can get a great deal and support FACT at the same time