McDonalds Corporation announced on June 19, 2003 a policy designed to phase-out use of growth-promoting antibiotics and establish a global policy on antibiotic use. The complete text of “McDonalds Global Policy on Antibiotic Use in Food Animals” can be found on the web at http://www.mcdonalds.com/corporate/social/marketplace/antibiotics/global/index.html. Contrary to popular belief, the policy does not outlaw use of antibiotics for disease treatment, control or prevention. It does require antibiotics to “be used only in accordance with the product license requirements or as directed by a veterinarian.” Antibiotics used for these purposes may include those in the same class as antibiotics used in human medicine “after thorough consideration of alternatives, including the use of antibiotics belonging to classes not used in human medicine.” The policy does indicate the use of antibiotics for growth promotion should be “phased out for antibiotics belonging to classes of compounds approved for use in human medicine.” Basically, the McDonald’s policy spells out Guiding Principles for Sustainable Use of Antibiotics, including segments titled quality and safety, animal welfare, antibiotics for animals, supervise use, people first, limit exposure, and record keeping. Compliance with the policy is required for those with a direct relationship with McDonald’s (like meat companies) and is strongly suggested for indirect suppliers (like meat producers). The policy will be fully implemented by the end of 2004.

Browse related Faqs by tag: beef cattle, mcdonalds, antibiotics