Finally, some good news for Chipotle. The Denver-based fast-casual restaurant chain received top marks Tuesday in a report on “Antibiotics Policies and Practices.”
The report looked at whether 25 of the country's dominant national food chains routinely use antibiotics in poultry and livestock to help the animals survive in less sanitary conditions and grow larger, faster.
A coalition of nonprofits, including Natural Resources Defense Council, Food Animal Concerns Trust, Friends of the Earth, Consumers Union and Center for Food Safety, sponsored the report which details pitfalls of antibiotic use in meat-producing animals. The results were determined through surveys on antibiotic use, transparency of use and policies for reducing or stopping use.
“Curbing the misuse of antibiotics in the meat industry is a public heath imperative,” the executive summary states.
Only Chipotle and Panera received “A” grades in the report. Both companies have policies that apply to all types of meat they serve and a strict timeline for adherence.
The two are followed closely by Subway and Chick-fil-A.
Subway developed a 10-year timeline to transition to antibiotic-free meat, and Chick-fil-A has transitioned to 23 percent antibiotic-free chicken.
McDonalds took home a "C+" partly for creating policies for its chicken.
This new report is good news for Chipotle. The restaurant chain prides itself on healthier options and selected organic ingredients. That reputation was damaged last year when a series of food-borne illnesses sickened more than 500 customers across 14 states.
Multimedia business & healthcare reporter Chloe Aiello can be reached via email at [email protected] or twitter.com/chlobo_ilo.
Subscribe to Denverite’s newsletter here.
