The biggest fast food chain in the world has plans to cut down on antibiotics used in the treatment of sick cows in its supply chain.
According to CNN, McDonald’s considered a World Health Organisation (WHO) report before coming to the decision.
The WHO noted that excessive use of antibiotics in animals consumed by humans resulted in those antibiotics becoming less effective when used in the treatment of diseases in humans.
A Reuters report stated that many meat producers reduced their use of antibiotics in chicken in recent years, taking their cue from McDonald’s.
The McDonald’s undertaking where beef is concerned is expected to have the same ripple effect. Because of its size, the food chain has the ability to influence change in the food production sector.
While antibiotics reduction might be music to the ears of consumers, it’s a huge concern for experts.
Cows have a longer lifespan as opposed to chickens, meaning that there are more opportunities for cows to get ill.
Animal farmers will have the responsibility to find alternative treatments when caring for sick animals.
According to The Guardian, pharmaceutical companies are already at work developing such alternatives.
