Chick-fil-A has reversed its 2014 decision not to use antibiotics in its chicken.
“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 website states. “NAIHM restricts the use of those antibiotics that are important to human medicine and commonly used to treat people, and allows use of animal antibiotics only if the animal and those around it were to become sick.”
In 2014 Chick-fil-A joined several other fast-food chains, such as Panera, Subway, and McDonald’s, in declaring a full ban on antibiotic-treated chickens. The recent policy adjustment reflects the realities of animal welfare and the necessity of antibiotics in treating sick animals within ethical guidelines.
Despite the modification in its antibiotic policy, the company remains committed to delivering quality chicken to its customers. Chick-fil-A assures that its chicken will continue to be free from fillers, artificial preservatives, hormones, and steroids.
The new policy seems to be a moderate approach by Chick-fil-A, acknowledging the role of animal-specific antibiotics in maintaining the health of chickens, while also manifesting a commitment to safeguard human health by not using antibiotics essential in human medicine.
A longtime target of liberal college students and activists due to its founders’ defense of traditional marriage, Chick-fil-A recently came under fire from those on the political right due to its apparent embrace of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.