McDonald’s in the United States is giving its chicken
suppliers two years to come up with products derived from chickens never
treated with antibiotics or “artificial growth hormones.”
Several large-volume processors, including McDonald’s
supplier Tyson Foods, welcomed the announcement, saying they’re in favour of
improving animal welfare.
McDonald’s also wants milk from cows that have not been
treated with rBST (bovine somatotropin), a treatment derived from
genetically-modified bacteria but not allowed for sale in Canada.
Some Canadian dairy farmers import BST from the United
States under an own-use permission allowed by the federal government.
McDonald’s Canada said it’s not following the parent U.S.
company lead at this time.
There are Canadian chicken producers who follow protocols
that exclude antibiotics and growth promotants.
