McDonald’s Big Plans to Reduce Antibiotics in Its Beef

McDonald’s Corp. (NYSE: MCD) shares were largely unaffected on Wednesday after the company said that it plans to reduce the use of antibiotics in its beef. Specifically, the golden arches is announcing a policy to reduce the use of antibiotics important to human health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Overall, McDonald’s will measure the use of antibiotics in its 10 biggest markets, including the United States, and set targets to curb their use by the end of 2020. The markets cover 85% of the company’s global beef supply chain.

Back in 2016, McDonald’s USA reached its commitment to serve only chicken not treated with antibiotics important to human medicine, nearly one year ahead of schedule. Further, in 2017, McDonald’s announced an expanded antibiotics policy for chicken in markets around the world.

According to the WHO, antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health, food security and development today. With its new policy, McDonald’s is doing its part to help preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for human and animal health in the future.

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Keith Kenny, Global Vice President, Sustainability, commented:

McDonald’s believes antibiotic resistance is a critical public health issue, and we take seriously our unique position to use our scale for good to continue to address this challenge. We are excited to partner with our beef supply chain around the world to accelerate the responsible use of antibiotics, whilst continuing to look after the health and welfare of those animals in our supply chain.

Shares of McDonalds were last seen at $182.96, in a 52-week range of $146.84 to $190.88. The stock has a consensus analyst price target of $194.44.

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