OAKLAND (KRON) — West Coast burger chain In-N-Out Burger said it will commit to serving “beef that is not raised with antibiotics important to human medicine,” according to a CALPIRG news release.
The burger chain issued the statement in response to a reporter from Reuters asking a question about a letter by over 50 public interest groups pressing the company to cease from serving beef raised with routine antibiotics, CALPIRG said.
KRON reached out to In-N-Out about the issue of antibiotics in its beef, and Vice President of Quality Keith Brazeau gave KRON the following statement it had sent out last week:
Just as humans sometimes need antibiotics for their health, cattle sometimes need antibiotics to ensure their health and welfare. The Food and Drug Administration guidance on the use of antibiotics in livestock increases veterinary oversight of antibiotic administration and phases out the use of antibiotics to promote growth. We are committed to working closely with our suppliers to ensure they follow these science based best practices, as well as the American Veterinary Medical Association guidance on antibiotic use in cattle. Furthermore, our company is committed to beef that is not raised with antibiotics important to human medicine and we’ve asked our suppliers to accelerate their progress toward establishing antibiotic alternatives. Collectively, these efforts help ensure optimal animal health and welfare, preserve medically important antibiotics for human use, and ensure safe, affordable and abundant food.
Since our inception in 1948, INO has been committed to serving fresh, high-quality food and providing great service for our customers.
Food safety and consumer groups said hopefully one day, In-N-Out will move towards only selling grass-fed beef.