McDonald’s Meat Suppliers to End Antibiotic Use
by Amanda Katz
Companies throughout the world that sell meat products to McDonald’s will soon be required by the fast-food restaurant chain to discontinue administering to animals antibiotics given to human beings in order to prevent disease.
The policy change, which is going to be gradually implemented, was prompted by concerns about the widespread presence of antibiotics in food causing bacteria and viruses to become resistant to treatment.
"(We are) asking producers that supply over 2.5 billlion pounds of chicken, beef and pork annually to take actions that will ultimately help protect public health," said McDonald’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Supply Chain Management Frank Muschetto.
Animals will benefit in the long run as well because tetracycline, penicillin and many other antibiotics are commonly administered to them as well as human beings.
Some have expressed concern that the new policy will significantly reduce profits since antibiotics administered to animals do prevent disease in the short-term and promote growth. However, according to Environmental Defense Program Director Gwen Ruta, who worked with McDonald’s to develop the policy, "it demonstrates that reducing antibiotic use is both feasible and affordable."
"The policy is one of many steps that should be considered to promote human health, animal health and the responsible use of antibiotics and alternative antibiotics," said Mark Klein, Director of Public Affairs of Cargill, one of the major meat product suppliers to McDonald’s.
© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.
Companies throughout the world that sell meat products to McDonald’s will soon be required by the fast-food restaurant chain to discontinue administering to animals antibiotics given to human beings in order to prevent disease.
The policy change, which is going to be gradually implemented, was prompted by concerns about the widespread presence of antibiotics in food causing bacteria and viruses to become resistant to treatment.
"(We are) asking producers that supply over 2.5 billlion pounds of chicken, beef and pork annually to take actions that will ultimately help protect public health," said McDonald’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Supply Chain Management Frank Muschetto.
Animals will benefit in the long run as well because tetracycline, penicillin and many other antibiotics are commonly administered to them as well as human beings.
Some have expressed concern that the new policy will significantly reduce profits since antibiotics administered to animals do prevent disease in the short-term and promote growth. However, according to Environmental Defense Program Director Gwen Ruta, who worked with McDonald’s to develop the policy, "it demonstrates that reducing antibiotic use is both feasible and affordable."
"The policy is one of many steps that should be considered to promote human health, animal health and the responsible use of antibiotics and alternative antibiotics," said Mark Klein, Director of Public Affairs of Cargill, one of the major meat product suppliers to McDonald’s.
© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.
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