Do They Give Chickens Antibiotics? Unveiling The Poultry Industrys Practices

Do chickens receive antibiotics? Chickens are administered antibiotics as a preventive measure to bolster their immune systems and protect them from diseases. This practice is particularly prevalent in the context of commercial chicken farming, where chickens often inhabit tightly packed and challenging-to-maintain environments that facilitate the rapid spread of harmful bacteria among the birds. Antibiotics serve as an accessible and cost-effective means to curtail the risk of chickens falling ill or experiencing exacerbated health issues due to these unsanitary conditions. As of April 27, 2022, this practice was still observed in the poultry industry.

Producers in the poultry industry have taken steps to discontinue the use of antibiotics in chicken production. This shift towards antibiotic-free chicken aims to meet regulatory requirements and provide consumers with poultry products that adhere to these standards. For instance, in 2007, Perdue initiated a progressive plan to eliminate the use of medically important antibiotics in their chicken feed and hatcheries. Consequently, they introduced poultry products into the market that bear the label “no antibiotics ever.” This transition marks a significant milestone in the industry’s efforts to reduce antibiotic usage and meet the demand for antibiotic-free chicken options.