Feinstein Applauds McDonald’s Decision to Sell Chicken Raised Without Medically-Important Antibiotics

            Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement applauding McDonald’s announcement that it would only sell chicken raised without medically-important antibiotics, which are used to treat infections in humans:

            “The tide is shifting. The largest restaurant chain in the United States has taken a huge step to eliminate unnecessary antibiotic use in chickens.

            “The CDC estimates that more than 400,000 Americans contract an antibiotic-resistant foodborne infection each year, and medical experts agree that preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics is one of the most pressing public health issues we face.

            “McDonald’s announcement demonstrates that businesses can be effective partners in ensuring antibiotic use in animals does not affect human health. Public health officials, businesses and farmers must address this issue, and I look forward to working with them to implement further change and combat the overuse of antibiotics in agriculture.”