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gibber71 · 06-20-2003, 09:36 AM

McDonald's moves to phase out the use of antibiotics
Last Updated Fri, 20 Jun 2003 6:09:44

OAK BROOK, ILL. - McDonald's is asking its meat suppliers around the world to stop using antibiotics in animals over concerns that it lessens the drugs' effectiveness for humans.

The fast food giant's new policy prohibits direct suppliers from using "medically important antibiotics" to promote growth in food animals after 2004.

Direct suppliers provide McDonald's with 70 per cent of its poultry. They will be asked to submit an annual self-certification saying they are complying with the policy.

Indirect suppliers provide the company with its beef and pork. McDonald's will offer incentives for indirect suppliers.

"McDonald's is asking producers that supply over 2.5 billion pounds of chicken, beef and pork annually to take actions that will ultimately help protect public health," Frank Muschetto, a McDonald's senior vice-president said in a statement.

Last June, McDonald's teamed up with the Environmental Defense Fund and animal pharmaceutical company Elanco Animal Health to create an antibiotics coalition.

The hope is that the policy will change the way farmers raise their animals.

However, several trade groups representing animal production, feed and health products industries said McDonald's policy is not based on science and the products slated to be phased out are safe.

http://www.cbc.ca

At first I laughed at this story since I remembered some years ago when a large cattle operation refused to associate their reputation and sell it's beef to Mc Donald's when they found out 1 pound of meat made 25 hamburgers.

So what do you think the story is now? Are McDonald's really concerned with the health of it's patrons? Did they suddenly grow a conscience? Or is it that their bottom line is sagging and restaurants are closing that prompted this action?

06-20-2003, 09:36 AM	#1 (permalink)
gibber71 Loser	McDonald's getting healthy? McDonald's moves to phase out the use of antibiotics Last Updated Fri, 20 Jun 2003 6:09:44 OAK BROOK, ILL. - McDonald's is asking its meat suppliers around the world to stop using antibiotics in animals over concerns that it lessens the drugs' effectiveness for humans. The fast food giant's new policy prohibits direct suppliers from using "medically important antibiotics" to promote growth in food animals after 2004. Direct suppliers provide McDonald's with 70 per cent of its poultry. They will be asked to submit an annual self-certification saying they are complying with the policy. Indirect suppliers provide the company with its beef and pork. McDonald's will offer incentives for indirect suppliers. "McDonald's is asking producers that supply over 2.5 billion pounds of chicken, beef and pork annually to take actions that will ultimately help protect public health," Frank Muschetto, a McDonald's senior vice-president said in a statement. Last June, McDonald's teamed up with the Environmental Defense Fund and animal pharmaceutical company Elanco Animal Health to create an antibiotics coalition. The hope is that the policy will change the way farmers raise their animals. However, several trade groups representing animal production, feed and health products industries said McDonald's policy is not based on science and the products slated to be phased out are safe. http://www.cbc.ca At first I laughed at this story since I remembered some years ago when a large cattle operation refused to associate their reputation and sell it's beef to Mc Donald's when they found out 1 pound of meat made 25 hamburgers. So what do you think the story is now? Are McDonald's really concerned with the health of it's patrons? Did they suddenly grow a conscience? Or is it that their bottom line is sagging and restaurants are closing that prompted this action?