Chickfila announced this week that they are moving toward
switching their traditional chicken breasts to antibiotic-free chicken. This move, however, could take up to 5 years
to integrate throughout the franchises.
A spokesperson from Chickfila said that a shift this significant
will take longer than expected because it requires a change in every step of
the supply chain. The company knows that this move will take them a while
because of the amount of demand the franchise requires. Any supplier willing to
take them on will have to know this up-front.
The FDA, just few months prior to Chickfila’s decision, released
an update to consumers about phasing out particular antibiotic usage in farm
animals. The antibiotics are added to animals feed or water to help the animals
gain weight on a faster scale.
Each year, more than 2 million Americans are infected by
what researchers call “Superbugs” or bacteria that grow and spread by the
overuse of antibiotics. According to the CDC, some 23,000 people have died from
these “superbugs”.
Chickfila says that their decision was not stemmed from the
FDA’s report, but rather by listening to their customers’ needs and responding
to what they ultimately want. Their customers stressed having antibiotic-free
chicken, and the company responded.
According to Jean Halloran, director of Food Policy for Consumer’s
Union, Chickfila’s 5 year plan is better than never. Jean said that ultimately Chickfila
deserves credit for taking an important step to protect public health.
Chickfila, in 5 years, will be among Chipotle and Panera
Bread who have also pledged to serve meat that is free of antibiotics.
What do you think? Do you think Chickfila is just responding
to the FDA’s report, or are they genuinely listening to their customer’s
suggestions? Leave your comments below!
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