Walmart, the world’s largest grocery retailer, announced Friday that the chain would move toward buying meat only from livestock suppliers who discourage the use of antibiotics and that agree to report publically on their antibiotic management practices.
The position on antibiotics – which was paired with another statement on animal welfare – uses some form of the word “sustainable” eight times.
“Walmart is committed to selling products that sustain people and the environment,” Kathleen McLaughlin, president of the Walmart Foundation and senior vice president of Walmart sustainability, said in a news release. “We have listened to our customers, and are asking our suppliers to engage in improved reporting standards and transparency measures regarding the treatment of farm animals.”
The plan calls for suppliers to:
Adopt and implement the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Judicious Use Principles for antimicrobials, which stress that antimicrobial use should be limited and targeted. The principles allow some antibiotics to prevent disease, but state that metaphylaxis — the mass use of low-dose antibiotics — “should be actively discouraged.”
Follow the Food and Drug Administration’s Voluntary Guidance for Industry #209, which includes ceasing the use of antibiotics for growth promotion.
Release a public report once a year on their antibiotics management practices.
As experts try to prevent and treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, several food brands have announced recently that they are moving toward buying meat only from livestock raised without antibiotics that are important to humans.
Fieldale Farms was one of the first suppliers to create an antibiotic-free production system in 2013.
But in the past two years, more and more brands have jumped on the bandwagon – Tyson and Perdue, Chick-fil-A and McDonalds -- signaling that business leaders think antibiotic-free is a message that will grab consumers.
The groups that represent livestock producers generally oppose mandatory limits to antibiotic use.
In responding to Walmart’s announcement, Animal Agriculture Alliance President and CEO Kay Johnson Smith pointed out that farmers and ranchers focus every day on two of the goals Walmart cites: Protecting animal welfare and providing an affordable, sustainable supply of food for a hungry world.
“Farmers, ranchers and veterinarians are also taking the issue of antimicrobial resistance very seriously. Nothing is more important to the animal agriculture community than public health, animal health and wellbeing and a safe food supply,” said Johnson.
“The government, animal health industry, farmers and ranchers have proactively implemented multiple steps to ensure antibiotic use in food-producing animals does not affect human health and to minimize the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Walmart’s policy … is consistent with the industry’s existing efforts.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by jllundqu
Connect With Us