Chipotle reconsiders antibiotics protocol

Chipotle has prided itself on its responsibly raised meat for over 10 years, but the company said considerations are being made on whether its “never-ever” antibiotic policy could be amended.
Founder, chairman and co-CEO of Chipotle Steve Ells said: “We decided to start serving meat from animals that have never been given antibiotics or added hormones more than a decade ago. And we continue to be committed to the elimination of antibiotics that are used to promote growth in livestock being raised in confinement operations.
“We are always looking to improve our protocols in order to ensure we are buying the very best sustainably raised ingredients. Many experts, including some of our ranchers, believe that animals should be allowed to be treated if they are ill and remain in the herd. We are certainly willing to consider this change, but we are continuing to evaluate what’s best for our customers, our suppliers and the animals.”
Chipotle is the world’s largest restaurant seller of responsibly raised beef, chicken and pork and last year, it served more than 120m pounds of this meat.