For the next example, it isn't even necessary to leave the barnyard. The use of arsenic laced feed isn't limited to our feathered friends. Hogs and swine are also given 3 Nitro 4 Hydrophenylarsonic Acid with their morning slop. In addition to Roxarsone, other variations of the compound called Carbarsone, Arsalinic Acid or Nitarsone may also be given. Like chickens, pigs are given this arsenic compound mainly to increase their growth rate. Although they excrete a large amount of the substance in their waste, some remains in the tissue. Further, while regulations require withdrawal of the substance a certain number of days before slaughter, a Canadian study found high rates of human error in the process (and thereafter Canada banned use of the substance).
Carbarsone has an interesting history of its own. Chauncey D Leake, a pharmacologist, began using the compound in the early 1930's to treat trichomonas vaginalis infections and intestinal amoebis. Its use fell by the wayside, however, because, as with most organic arsenicals ever used to treat human disease, it had unfortunate neurological and gastric system side-effects, including death. For a list of the side-effects, see Irving S. Rossoff, Encyclopedia of Clinical Toxoligy, 198 (2002).
Of course, the industry also touts the safety of these substances in hogs and swine, which of course becomes the ham in your sandwich and bacon with your eggs. Still hungry?
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