Atlanta, Georgia – Chick-fil-A, a popular fast-food chain, has announced a significant change to its chicken sourcing policy starting this spring. The company is shifting from antibiotic-free chicken to a new standard called No Antibiotics Important to Human Medicine (NAIHM) due to supply chain concerns.
The transition from No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) to NAIHM will impact the quality of chicken served at Chick-fil-A restaurants across the country. While no specific timeline has been provided for the rollout of this change, the company aims to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality chicken for its customers.
According to Chick-fil-A’s website, the NAE standard meant that no antibiotics were used in raising the animals, while NAIHM allows for the use of certain antibiotics that are important for human medicine only when necessary for animal health.
This decision marks a shift from Chick-fil-A’s previous commitment to serving antibiotic-free chicken, which began in 2014 and was fully implemented at all chain restaurants by 2019. The company’s spokesperson emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality chicken that meets customers’ expectations.
Other fast-food chains, such as Panera Bread, have also made similar changes to their antibiotic-free policies in recent times. Panera Bread cited supply chain limitations as a reason for adjusting its antibiotic use in pork and turkey products.
In the broader industry, Tyson Foods announced last summer that it would reintroduce certain antibiotics to its chicken supply chain after previously going antibiotic-free in 2017. These shifts in antibiotic policies reflect evolving challenges and considerations in the food industry regarding animal welfare and public health.
As Chick-fil-A and other food companies navigate these changes, consumers may see adjustments in sourcing practices and product offerings to meet both demand and sustainability goals. The impact of these shifts on the industry and consumer preferences will be closely monitored in the coming months.