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updates
McDonald's Announces Cutbacks on Antibiotic Use
Following months of input by UCS members, McDonald's announced on June 19, 2003, that it will require all direct suppliers of meat products to end the use of antibiotics for growth promotion. Most poultry suppliers fall into this category, while beef and pork suppliers do not. Beef and pork suppliers will receive a purchasing preference if they work to minimize antibiotic use and establish guidelines for the appropriate use of antibiotics. McDonald's has also established an accountability system that requires its direct suppliers to maintain records of antibiotic use and to document compliance through an internal assurance program and with regular audits. McDonald's plans to share this program with other fast-food retailers.
UCS applauds McDonald's for being the first fast-food chain to seriously address the growing threat to human health posed by antibiotic resistance. This policy, however, does not go far enough. While it targets antibiotics being used as growth promoters, it leaves out the larger class of antibiotics used routinely to prevent diseases caused by overcrowded "factory farm" conditions. McDonald's should strengthen its policy by adding third-party certification of its monitoring program and mandate decreased antibiotic use by all of its meat suppliers.
Thank you to the activists who sent letters and applied the pressure that led McDonald's to this outcome. These efforts played a critical role.
Now we will turn our attention to the policies of other fast-food industry leaders, urging them to meet and exceed the example set by McDonald's. |
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© Union of Concerned Scientists
Page Last Revised: 06/23/08 |
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