Transition from No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) to No Antibiotics Important To Human Medicine (NAIHM) Chicken
Chick-fil-A, a leading fast-food chain known for its popular chicken sandwiches, has recently announced a significant shift in its chicken sourcing policy. Starting this spring, the company will transition from serving No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) chicken to No Antibiotics Important To Human Medicine (NAIHM) chicken across all its restaurants.
The NAE certification signifies that no antibiotics were administered to the chickens at any stage of their growth. In contrast, the NAIHM approach permits the limited use of antibiotics that are critical for treating human illnesses while allowing the use of animal-specific antibiotics when necessary for the health of the flock.
Reasons for the Shift
According to Chick-fil-A, this change in policy is driven primarily by supply chain concerns. As the demand for high-quality chicken continues to rise, the company has faced challenges in maintaining a steady supply of NAE-certified chickens that meet its stringent standards. The transition to NAIHM will provide Chick-fil-A with greater flexibility in sourcing chicken while ensuring that the quality and taste of its products remain consistent.
Commitment to Quality and Animal Wellbeing
Chick-fil-A emphasized that despite this shift, its commitment to quality and animal wellbeing remains unwavering. The company procures its chickens from reputable suppliers in the United States and adheres to strict animal welfare guidelines. The use of NAIHM-approved antibiotics will be closely monitored and administered only when necessary to maintain the health of the flock.
Industry Context
Chick-fil-A's move to NAIHM chicken is in line with recent trends in the poultry industry. Other major fast-food chains, such as Tyson Foods and Panera Bread, have also made similar transitions in recent years, citing similar supply chain and cost-related concerns.
Conclusion
The transition to NAIHM chicken by Chick-fil-A marks a significant shift in the company's sourcing strategy. While the decision has been met with mixed reactions from consumers and industry experts, Chick-fil-A remains confident that this move will enable it to continue providing high-quality chicken products while maintaining its commitment to animal welfare and customer satisfaction.
