Tyson Foods and other major poultry producers have backtracked on their commitments to eliminate antibiotics, raising concerns about public health impacts.
Lisa Held reports for Civil Eats.
In short:
- Tyson reversed its "no antibiotics ever" policy, now allowing antibiotics not deemed critical for human medicine.
- Other companies, including Chick-Fil-A, have also backtracked on antibiotic-free commitments due to supply concerns.
- The rollback has significant implications, as overuse of antibiotics in poultry can contribute to antibiotic resistance in humans.
Key quote:
“The fact that they’re [Perdue] still sticking with a no antibiotics policy . . . shows clearly that it can be done. So why isn’t Tyson doing the same?”
— Andre Delattre, SVP and COO of programs at Public Interest Research Group (PIRG)
Why this matters:
Antibiotic overuse in poultry can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a serious public health risk. These policy reversals threaten progress made in reducing antibiotics in the food supply and ensuring safer, healthier chicken production. Read more: Swine workers on front lines in fight against antibiotic resistance.
