Chick-fil-A's New Approach to Chicken Health and Safety

 

Chick-fil-A on Thursday update, said that it will be switching to antibiotic-free chicken beginning this spring, noting supply issues. 

"To maintain supply of the high-quality chicken you expect from us, Chick-fil-A will shift from No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) to No Antibiotics Important To Human Medicine (NAIHM) starting in the Spring of 2024," the company's press release said.

There has been no announcement of a precise deadline for the change's implementation. 

On the Chick-fil-A website, it is stated that NAE refers to the absence of any kind of antibiotic usage during the animal's growth, whereas NAIHM limits the use of antibiotics that are commonly used in human medicine and are only permitted to be used in cases where the animal or those nearby become ill.

In 2014, Chick-fil-A made the move to antibiotic-free chicken, and by 2019, it had achieved its objective of offering antibiotic-free chicken at every subsidiary restaurant.

"The availability of premium chicken that satisfies our exacting requirements became a problem as we looked to the future. In a statement to  a News channel, a Chick-fil-A representative said, "This change enables us to not only ensure we can continue to serve high-quality chicken but the chicken that still meets the expectations our customers count on us to deliver." 

Reuters reported that app users received the announcement as well.

According to information obtained by Reuters, Panera Bread also recently changed its antibiotic-free policy in its turkey and pork products, stating that it reduced its supply chain possibilities. 

After going antibiotic-free in 2017, Tyson Foods declared last summer that it was also bringing back some antibiotics to its poultry supply chain.