Chick-Fil-A Reverses “No Antibiotics Ever” Pledge Amid Concerns of Antibiotic Resistance
Fast-food chain Chick-Fil-A has announced a significant policy change regarding the use of antibiotics in its chicken production. The company, known for its commitment to using only chicken raised without antibiotics, has backtracked from its “no antibiotics ever” pledge in favor of a new standard known as “no antibiotics important to human medicine.”
This decision comes as mounting evidence suggests that the use of antibiotics in livestock production can contribute to human antibiotic resistance. Chick-Fil-A plans to begin transitioning to the new policy starting in spring 2024.
The move reflects concerns about the company’s ability to acquire a sufficient supply of antibiotic-free chicken. With one of the largest poultry industry companies, Tyson Foods, reintroducing some antibiotics to its chicken production last year and removing its “No Antibiotics Ever” labeling, Chick-Fil-A is facing similar challenges.
Karen Christensen, senior director of animal welfare at Tyson Foods, explained the decision to reintroduce antibiotics as based on scientific research and industry learnings. Tyson plans to incorporate the use of ionophores, which do not impact human medicine, to improve the health and welfare of their birds in care.
The use of antibiotics in livestock production has long been a common practice to boost weight gain in animals. However, many nations, including the United States, have started restricting the use of antibiotics in animals to combat drug resistance and preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics against diseases in humans.
Chick-Fil-A’s policy change underscores the complex challenges faced by the poultry industry in balancing animal welfare, food safety, and public health concerns. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving issue.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Devoted music geek. Troublemaker. Typical analyst. Alcohol practitioner. Food junkie. Passionate tv fan. Web expert.”