Chick-fil-A Shifts Quality Standards, Allowing Antibiotics in Chicken Supply for the First Time in a Decade

Chick-fil-A, known for its commitment to serving antibiotic-free chicken for years, is making a significant shift in its quality standards. The renowned fast-food chain announced that it will now allow the use of antibiotics in its chicken supply, marking a departure from its previous stance. This decision, detailed on the company’s website, comes after a decade of dedicated efforts to offer chicken raised without antibiotics.

The move towards using antibiotics in chicken, termed ‘No Antibiotics Important To Human Medicine’ (NAIHM) chicken, is aimed at ensuring the continuity of a high-quality chicken supply to meet the demands of Chick-fil-A’s numerous restaurant locations nationwide. This change means that antibiotics will only be employed if deemed necessary for the health of the animal or its surrounding environment.

In line with regulatory guidelines, Chick-fil-A emphasizes that the antibiotics utilized in treating poultry are not intended for human consumption. Strict protocols are in place to ensure that all antibiotics are cleared from the chicken’s system before it enters the supply chain. Oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guarantees that suppliers adhere to Chick-fil-A’s NAIHM commitment.

In a shift from its original goal set in 2014, Chick-fil-A had aimed to have antibiotic-free chicken across all its restaurants within five years. This change, while a departure from that initial target, reflects the company’s adaptability in the face of evolving supply challenges. Chick-fil-A highlights that the revised standards allow for the continuous delivery of high-quality chicken that meets customer expectations.

Notably, other industry players have also made similar adjustments in response to supply chain dynamics. In 2023, Tyson Foods, the largest chicken producer in the United States, transitioned from its prior stance of ‘no antibiotics ever.’ The move by Chick-fil-A signals a strategic shift in its approach to sourcing and serving chicken, aligning with the broader industry trends.