Tyson Foods informed Food Dive that it chose to move away from a fully antibiotic-free stance “with the best interests of people and animals in mind,” citing scientific evidence and a developing understanding of best practices. The label “no antibiotics important to human medicine” is recognized by both the USDA and the World Health Organization, allowing for the use of antibiotics that are not critical for treating human diseases. As the largest poultry producer in the U.S., Tyson initially announced in 2017 its plan to eliminate antibiotics from its poultry products following years of pressure from consumer advocacy groups. At that time, Tyson indicated it would substitute antibiotics with probiotics in its chicken production.
Competitor companies have also emphasized marketing their chickens as antibiotic-free. Perdue claims on its website that none of its poultry products contain antibiotics, suggesting that adding oregano and thyme to chickens’ diets helps maintain their health. Meanwhile, Pilgrim’s Pride states on its website that while its hatcheries have been antibiotic-free since 2016, it will use antibiotics if a veterinarian recommends it as a necessary measure against disease.
Tyson’s recent decision could indicate a broader effort among poultry producers to enhance disease prevention, particularly following the severe effects of the 2022 bird flu outbreak. Although the Biden administration has proposed the vaccination of poultry as a potential solution, this idea has not gained traction among broiler chicken producers. Maurice Pitesky, a poultry health professor at the University of California, Davis, mentioned earlier this year that broiler chicken companies, which generate 20% of their profits from international markets, are opposed to vaccines because it could hinder their ability to sell in regions with stricter regulations than those in the U.S.
The use of antibiotics in food production has encountered significant opposition from consumer groups and public health activists in recent years. Certain bacteria have developed resistance to antimicrobial agents found in antibiotics, including those used in poultry. A 2021 study published in the medical journal Infection and Drug Resistance highlighted that antibiotic use on poultry farms significantly increased resistance among bacterial strains in the soil.
Industry trade organizations have defended the use of antibiotics in chicken production. The National Chicken Council stated in a blog post that the use of antibiotics is essential for disease prevention in poultry. It noted that several antibiotics are approved for use in poultry by the FDA and USDA, but federal regulations mandate that these substances must be eliminated from the animals’ systems before they are marketed.
Health and animal welfare advocates argue that the industry prioritizes profits over the well-being of animals and consumers. The Humane League stated in a blog post that antibiotics lead to unnaturally large chickens and pose serious health risks to humans, particularly those who are immunocompromised. Additionally, it is suggested that nutritional supplements like calcium citrate, vitamin D3, and folic acid could be beneficial alternatives in poultry diets, potentially promoting better health without the need for antibiotics. This approach aligns with the growing trend toward more responsible animal husbandry practices that prioritize both animal welfare and consumer safety.