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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Group Pushes for Antibiotic-Free Big Macs

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Friday, January 30, 2015   

LANSING, Mich. - The company known for its "Golden Arches" is being asked to make its burgers, chicken nuggets and other menu items antibiotic-free.

It's estimated that nearly 70 percent of all antibiotics sold in the United States are used in raising livestock and poultry. McDonald's sells more than 1 billion pounds of beef each year, and Pamela Clough, coordinator for the watchdog U.S. Public Interest Research Group, said if the fast-food giant required its suppliers to stop raising meat with antibiotics, it would prompt sweeping changes in the industry.

"If they were to make this change, it would be the equivalent of banning antibiotics in meat production in a small country," she said. "And so, if they make this commitment, it could really change the paradigm of the market and make antibiotic-free meat more affordable and more accessible for everybody."

Some medical experts say the overuse of antibiotics is creating antibiotic-resistant infections that are serious public health threats. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections sicken 2 million people each year and claim the lives of about 23,000.

Other restaurants, including Panera and Chipotle, say they already use only antibiotic-free meats, and the Chick-fil-A chain has made a commitment to only purchase chicken raised without antibiotics by 2020.

In 2003, McDonald's implemented a policy about antibiotics, but Clough said it didn't go far enough.

"It only applied to some suppliers, and didn't require even these suppliers to only purchase meat raised without antibiotics. It had to do with antibiotics used for growth promotion versus disease prevention," she said. "In the end, we need stronger action."

According to its website, McDonald's will release an updated version of its policy this year. The company announced last year that it will start transitioning to sustainable beef by 2016, but wasn't specific about the definition of "sustainable." The company's policy is online at aboutmcdonalds.com.


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