Tyson to tag all fresh chicken as ?raised without antibiotics?

June 20, 2007 — 

Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods announced Tuesday morning that it is now producing all of its brand-name fresh chicken from birds raised without antibiotics, a move it says was prompted by overwhelming consumer demand.

"While we have great confidence in the quality of our traditional chicken, we're also committed to providing mainstream consumers with the kind of products they want," Tyson president and CEO Dick Bond said. "According to our research, 91 percent of consumers agree it's important to have fresh chicken produced and labeled as 'raised without antibiotics.'"

Tyson started selling antibiotic-free product nationwide this week. Other Tyson products will follow suit. The company's deli rotisserie and marinated raw breaded eight-piece items are due to convert by early July, and its individually-wrapped quick frozen chicken by late August.

"We are the first major poultry company to offer fresh chicken raised without antibiotics on a large-scale basis and at an affordable price for mainstream consumers," said Dave Hogberg, senior vice president of Tyson's Fresh Meal Solutions. "Because of the size and scale of our operations, we're able to convert our entire branded business and assure supply to our customers."

Tyson says that although raising antibiotic-free chicken is more costly, research indicates there still is room for healthy profit margins, since consumers have indicated they are willing to pay a higher price for the product. The increased cost is also "substantially" less than premiums charged by competing niche brands, the company said.

Tyson said its use of antibiotics will be relegated to a "very small percentage" of its flocks, and only used to prevent or treat disease.

Source:
MeatingPlace.com