Pfizer Stops Chicken Drug

An arsenic-containing drug from a Pfizer subsidiary fed to chickens for decades is now not allowed. After a government study issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found trace amounts of the cancer-causing chemical in samples, Pfizer decided to suspend sales of 3-Nitro. The drug, which enhances growth, kills intestinal parasites, and gives meat a pink tint, also has limited use for pigs and turkeys. Arsenic, which is linked to cancer, heart problems, and nervous system damage in humans, can also be found in chicken feed—Maryland introduced a bill to ban the substance earlier this year, but the measure failed.