McDonald’s to curb antibiotic use in its beef
The announcement comes amid mounting pressure and criticism to stop the growing danger of antibiotic resistance. The fast-food chain might push its competitors to adopt similar initiatives.
McDonald’s is setting out to make a difference with its beef supply—and by doing so, might induce others to do the same.
The fast-food chain announced it will require most suppliers to halt the use of antibiotics in their beef. McDonald’s sources 85 percent of its beef from 10 targeted countries: the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada, France and Poland.
The move targets the global problem of antibiotic resistance.
The company says it hopes that if it forces suppliers to stop using antibiotics in beef that competitors will have no choice but to follow suit.
… Why care? Because the World Health Organization identifies human resistance to antibiotics — on the rise because they’re used in so much food production, and we’re thus exposed to trace amounts when we eat — as one of the most pressing health problems on the planet.
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