Chick-fil-A plans to be one of the next restaurant chains to offer antibiotic-free meat.
The franchise, which comprises locations in 39 states and Washington, D.C., is working to serve only chicken without antibiotics within five years, The Associated Press reported.
Based in Atlanta, Ga., Chick-fil-A has around 1,800 restaurants. The chain is working with suppliers to ensure that antibiotics stay away from chickens destined to end up in Chick-fil-A sandwiches, nuggets, salads and more.
The switch will require "changes along every point of the supply chain--from the hatchery to the processing plant," according to Chick-fil-A.
The franchise's suppliers have been requested to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the change, according to the AP.
Consumers will be kept apprised as Chick-fil-A implements the switch to no antiobiotics.
"We're going to make sure customers know," Tim Tassopoulos, Chick-fil-A's executive vice president of operations, told the AP in a phone interview.
While the switch will likely result in higher prices, the company will plan to make sure that consumers feel "minimal" impact, Tassopoulos said.
Chick-fil-A's resolution to get rid of antibiotics follows Food and Drug Administration concerns about such meat as well as other chains that have gone the natural route.
The FDA has warned that using antibiotics while raising animals for meat could eventually result in antibiotic-resistant germs.
As consumers become more aware of the food they eat, restaurant chains like Chipotle have made their way to the forefront with antibiotic-free meat.
The Mexican-style burrito franchise is known for its "responsibly raised" meat and dairy products that are used as a rule for Chipotle ingredients.
Because of recent consumer trends, suppliers weren't surprised by Chick-fil-A's move toward no antibiotics, Rob Dugas, vice president of Chick-fil-A's supply chain, told the AP.
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