McDonald’s Decides to Phase Out Antibiotics Used in Food Production

McDonald’s June 19 announced a global policy restricting the use of antibiotics in food animal production, a step that concerns NCBA. The new policy requires food animal suppliers to phase-out antibiotics used solely for growth promotion that also are used in human medicine in one or more countries worldwide. The new policy applies to all global McDonald’s direct meat suppliers.  Compliance with the policy will be a favorable factor in supply decisions for indirect suppliers. 

The McDonald’s Antibiotics Use Policy will be enforced through supplier certification and assurance programs or regular audits. This policy is to be phased in by the end of 2004.  NCBA has sent a letter to McDonald’s Chairman and CEO Jim Cantalupo that addresses some of the cattle industry’s concerns.

While this policy will have the greatest impact on chicken suppliers, NCBA is concerned about a policy implemented by a highly visible, international corporation without a rigorous science- and risk-based analysis.  All antibiotics approved by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine for use in animals have been subjected to rigorous testing to assure efficacy and that they pose no threat to animal health or human health.

It is important to note that NCBA’s concern is not because of any effects on cattle industry production practices. In fact, antibiotic growth promoters are of little benefit in raising cattle and NCBA’s guidelines for judicious use of antimicrobials specifically state that antibiotics should not be used if the intent is to simply enhance growth.

NCBA’s concern about the new McDonald’s policy is that it is inconsistent with existing science-based FDA rules that assure safe food for consumers and provide regulatory structure for the business environment. These rules are the result of an open, transparent, science-based process — a process essential to maintaining a healthy business climate for both McDonald’s and the beef industry.

Prohibiting the use of FDA-approved products in the absence of a science- and risk-based analysis can have unintended negative consequences for animal health and well-being, and for human health.

NCBA is committed to a rigorous, science-based process that leads to sustainable agricultural practices and safe food for American consumers.