Target: Chris Kempczinski, Chief Executive Officer of McDonald’s Corporation
Goal: Hold fast food companies accountable for failing to reduce antibiotic use in livestock, risking public health and safety.
Antibiotic misuse in livestock production has reached alarming levels, with major fast food chains like McDonald’s, Subway, and Taco Bell seemingly failing to uphold their commitments to lessen antibiotic use in their meat supply. Despite promising consumers progress towards reducing medically important antibiotics, these companies reportedly slashed their goals and have not publicly disclosed any steps taken to fulfill their obligations. This apparent negligence not only endangers animal welfare but also amplifies the threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can infect humans, contributing to 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections and over 35,000 deaths annually in the U.S.
The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that approximately 66% of antibiotics deemed crucial for human medicine are administered to farm animals, often not to treat sickness but to prevent potential health issues resulting from overcrowded living conditions in intensive farming. McDonald’s claimed to have eliminated the use of medically important antibiotics in its chicken products, but fell short when it came to beef, diluting its commitment and seemingly avoiding transparency about antibiotic use in its supply chains. Similar patterns of apparent inaction are observed in Subway and Taco Bell.
Immediate action is necessary to address this growing public health risk. It is imperative that fast food corporations uphold their pledges, implement aggressive antibiotic reduction measures in beef and pork production, and ensure a transition towards improved animal welfare standards. Consumers deserve transparency about the animal products they purchase, particularly regarding antibiotic usage. This petition demands accountability from these companies to prioritize the health of both animals and humans by adhering to their original commitments and aggressively reducing antibiotic use in livestock.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear CEO Kempczinski,
The alarming overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture has become a significant public health crisis, with major fast food companies like McDonald’s, Subway, and Taco Bell apparently failing to honor their pledges to reduce such practices. Reports indicate that while commitments were made to cut back on the use of medically important antibiotics, these corporations have since retreated from their goals, particularly concerning beef production where antibiotic use remains a serious concern. This lack of accountability could have dire consequences, contributing to antibiotic-resistant infections that claim over 35,000 lives in the United States each year.
It has come to light that a staggering 66% of critical antibiotics are used in livestock, often under the pretext of preventing illnesses linked to unhealthy farming conditions. McDonald’s failed to establish essential targets for reducing antibiotic use in cattle, instead diluting its efforts and avoiding transparency about progress.
We urge you to take immediate and definitive action to fulfill your company’s original commitments and implement rigorous antibiotic reduction strategies across your supply chain. The health of consumers and the welfare of farm animals must not be compromised for the sake of corporate practices. It is time to prioritize the well-being of both people and animals by ensuring that McDonald’s stands as a leader in responsible antibiotic use in the fast food industry.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
