Chick-fil-A changes its no antibiotics in chicken policy

Chick-fil-A announced on Monday that it will allow chicken treated with animal antibiotics after years of a strict “No Antibiotics Ever” stance. The change is set to take effect this spring.

The decision stems from challenges in sourcing a sufficient quantity of antibiotic-free chicken.

Last year, Tyson Foods faced similar difficulties because of which it reintroduced certain antibiotics to its chicken supply chain.

Panera changed its policy on pork due to the no-antibiotics policy, limiting its supply chain options.

Chick-fil-A’s new policy “No Antibiotics Important to Human Medicine” permits using animal antibiotics for sick animals. It aligns with the USDA and WHO guidelines, focusing on avoiding antibiotics crucial to human treatment.

Antibiotics in chicken
While consuming chicken treated with antibiotics may not directly harm consumers, it can aid in growing antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The resistance could render antibiotics less effective when treating infections in humans.

US regulations require farmers to withhold antibiotics before slaughter, aiming to reduce the risk of any residue of such drugs in meat. But a complete ban is not in place.