Chick-fil-A Announces Return to Antibiotics in Chicken, Reversing 2014 Decision

Popular fast-food chain Chick-fil-A has made a surprising announcement regarding the antibiotics used in its chicken. In a notable reversal of its 2014 decision, Chick-fil-A will now reintroduce some antibiotics in its chicken products.

Back in 2014, Chick-fil-A joined other major chains such as Panera, Subway, and McDonalds in pledging to provide antibiotic-free chicken. However, come spring of 2024, the company plans to use antibiotics that are not crucial to human medicine in its chicken production.

Chick-fil-A clarified that the antibiotics will only be employed if the chickens or surrounding animals fall ill, and the antibiotics used are specifically intended for animal use, not human consumption.

Notably, Chick-fil-A has a reputation for not using fillers, hormones, artificial preservatives, or steroids in its chicken, maintaining a focus on delivering high-quality poultry to its customers.

This shift by Chick-fil-A follows recent industry trends. In 2023, Tyson Foods, a prominent chicken producer in the United States, moved away from its ‘no antibiotics ever’ policy. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for overseeing compliance with Chick-fil-A’s antibiotic policy.