The company announced on its website that the transition from No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) to No Antibiotics Important To Human Medicine (NAIHM) will commence in the spring of 2024.
The company explained the difference between the two policies, stating, "NAE means no antibiotics of any kind were used in raising the animal. NAIHM restricts the use of those antibiotics that are important to human medicine and commonly used to treat people, and allows use of animal antibiotics only if the animal and those around it were to become sick.”
This policy change signifies a departure from the chain's 2014 pledge to serve exclusively antibiotic-free chicken, a commitment it fulfilled across all its outlets by 2019. The new NAIHM policy allows the use of animal antibiotics, but only when necessary for the animal's health, and excludes antibiotics vital for human medicine.
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A spokesperson for Chick-fil-A told Fox News Digital, “As we looked to the future, the availability of high-quality chicken that meets our rigid standards became a concern. This change enables us to not only ensure we can continue to serve high-quality chicken, but also chicken that still meets the expectations our customers count on us to deliver.”
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The decision has triggered a wave of criticism on social media. One user expressed surprise at the company's policy reversal, posting a screenshot of them deleting the Chick-fil-A app from their phone. Conservative podcast host Alex Clark urged people to stop patronizing the chain, writing, “Just wanted to let you know that Chick-fil-A just walked back their NO ANTIBIOTICS EVER rule for their chicken. You have got to stop eating there.”
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Chick-fil-A's decision aligns with recent moves by other fast-food chains. Tyson Foods, for instance, announced in July 2023 that it would transition to NAIHM production by the end of the year, having previously gone antibiotic-free in 2017. Similarly, Panera Bread announced in March that its U.S. stores would cease claims such as “No Antibiotics Ever,” “Vegetarian Fed,” “Grass Fed Pasture Raised,” “Animal Welfare,” and any mention of “Hormones” by March 27, according to Reuters.
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