When you eat at a restaurant these days, you’re often getting a side order of antibiotics.
That’s because many chains continue to serve meat from animals raised in such crowded, unsanitary conditions that they must be dosed with drugs to keep them from getting sick.
This practice is one of the main contributors to antibiotic resistance, which is become deadlier every year.
A recent article in the journal Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology estimated that 160,000 Americans now die every year from antibiotic-resistant infections. That makes so-called “superbugs” the country’s fourth-leading cause of death, just behind heart disease, cancer, and accidents.[1]
Some restaurants do a better job than others in keeping antibiotics out of your food.
The fifth annual Chain Reaction Report is issued by six consumer groups. The report grades the antibiotics policies of the top 25 restaurant chains.[2]
Earlier reports looked at both beef and chicken. But most chains no longer serve chicken raised with antibiotics. So this year’s report is mainly focused on beef.
Chipotle and Panera came out on top. They were rated A and A-, respectively. The companies serve antibiotic-free beef and chicken. Independent third parties audit their practices.
McDonald’s improved to a C from an F last year. The chain reduced antibiotics in their beef. They promise to make further reductions.
Subway got a C for making a similar pledge.
Wendy’s earned a D+ for taking minimal action. They’ve stopped the use of only one of the more than 2 dozen most important antibiotics…and that was in just 20% of their beef supply.
Taco Bell got a D due to a pledge for a 25% reduction in antibiotics in its beef by 2025.
These chains got an F: Applebee’s, Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Burger King, Chili’s, Dairy Queen, Domino’s, IHOP, Jack in the Box, Little Caesars, Olive Garden, Panda Express, Pizza Hut, Sonic, and Starbucks.
Antibiotics Should Not Be Part of Your Diet
Do your health a favor… Eat organic, free-range meats whenever possible. They do not have antibiotics.
Fast food is never a healthy option. But if you eat it, choose chains that don’t give you a side order of antibiotics.
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[1]https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/31/health/restaurant-antibiotic-report-card-wellness/index.html
[2]https://www.consumerreports.org/overuse-of-antibiotics/most-fast-food-chains-still-serve-beef-raised-with-antibiotics/