Tyson Foods is reported to be reducing its offerings of antibiotic-free beef, following a similar move made last year for chicken. According to a source cited by Bloomberg, the meat giant informed a customer in late 2023 that it would no longer supply beef without antibiotics. This decision also led to the end of a programme with the Certified Angus Beef company in Ohio focused on marketing antibiotic-free beef.
In response to queries, Tyson Foods downplayed its intentions in a statement, reiterating similar comments made last summer regarding the reintroduction of antibiotics in chicken. The company emphasized that its decisions are rooted in sound science and that the antibiotics selected are not important to human medicine.
Last year, Tyson Foods made headlines for reintroducing antibiotics into its chicken supply chain and removing the “no antibiotics ever” label from its chicken products. The type of antibiotics reintroduced were not deemed significant to human medicine.
A spokesperson for the company stated that Tyson Foods is committed to the health and welfare of the animals within its supply chain, aligning its decisions with scientific standards and best practices. The company emphasized its dedication to antibiotic stewardship while continuing to offer antibiotic-free beef based on market demand.
However, this decision to reduce antibiotic-free beef offerings has drawn criticism. Steve Roach, a food safety director at Keep Antibiotics Working, expressed disappointment in Tyson Foods’ move, stating that it is short-sighted and goes against consumer demand for safer beef. Roach highlighted the significance of antibiotic resistance as a public health threat.
As Tyson Foods navigates the evolving landscape of antibiotic use in the food industry, stakeholders are closely monitoring how this decision may impact consumer preferences and industry standards.
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