In-N-Out's 2016 Antibiotic Commitment
In 2016, In-N-Out Burger responded to public pressure from several environmental and health groups, including CALPIRG and Friends of the Earth. The campaign, which raised concerns over the public health threat of antibiotic resistance linked to livestock, prompted the company to make a public statement. In-N-Out announced it was working with suppliers to "accelerate a move away from the use of human antibiotics" in its beef production. At the time, the company's vice president of quality, Keith Brazeau, confirmed the commitment to sourcing beef "not raised with antibiotics important to human medicine". This phrasing is a crucial distinction, as it implies that sick animals could still be treated with non-human-critical antibiotics or even with human-important ones under a veterinarian's care. In-N-Out was not a pioneer in this movement; it was following the lead of other chains, but its pledge represented a significant shift in its sourcing policy.
The Lingering Question: Is All In-N-Out Beef Antibiotic-Free?
While In-N-Out’s 2016 promise was welcomed by advocacy groups, it fell short of a complete "No Antibiotics Ever" (NAE) policy. The main issue for consumers is the lack of public-facing information regarding the implementation of this commitment. In 2018, a consumer advocacy report, evaluating the antibiotic use policies of top fast-food chains, gave In-N-Out a failing grade. The reason was a lack of a clear timeline, specific benchmarks, and public updates on its progress.
Unlike other fast-food giants that have posted their detailed antibiotic policies on their websites, In-N-Out's official site remains silent on the matter, focusing instead on other quality aspects like freshness and the absence of fillers and preservatives. This continued opacity has led many to assume that the routine use of antibiotics not deemed "medically important to humans" may still occur within its supply chain. The effectiveness of the company's 2016 statement is, therefore, difficult to verify without greater transparency.
How In-N-Out Compares to Other Chains
For consumers concerned about antibiotic use, understanding the landscape of fast-food policies is important. The following table compares In-N-Out's policy with those of other major players, demonstrating where the company stands in terms of public commitment and reported progress.
| Feature | In-N-Out Burger | Chipotle Mexican Grill | Panera Bread |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antibiotic Policy (Beef) | Committed in 2016 to move away from "human-important" antibiotics; no public timeline or progress details. | Sources beef "raised without the routine use of antibiotics," earning high marks from consumer groups. | Sources beef "raised without the routine use of antibiotics," earning high marks from consumer groups. |
| Sourcing Transparency | Lacks current public-facing documentation on antibiotic policy progress. | Publicly details antibiotic policies, implementation schedules, and progress. | Publicly details antibiotic policies, implementation schedules, and progress. |
| Consumer Report Grade (2018) | F | A | A |
What the "Antibiotic-Free" Label Actually Means
The public health crisis of antibiotic resistance has brought meat sourcing practices under intense scrutiny. However, the terminology surrounding antibiotics can be confusing. Here is a breakdown of what to know:
- The federal standard: Under federal law, no meat product can contain antibiotic residue at the time of slaughter, regardless of how the animal was raised. Any animal treated with antibiotics must undergo a withdrawal period to clear the drug from its system before it can enter the food supply.
- Routine vs. Therapeutic Use: The primary concern is the routine use of low-dose antibiotics to prevent illness in crowded conditions or to promote growth. Responsible policies allow for therapeutic use—the treatment of sick animals—under veterinary supervision.
- The "superbug" risk: The CDC notes that even meat from animals not treated with antibiotics may carry antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The overuse of antibiotics in livestock farming exacerbates the development of these resistant strains.
- Stricter standards: Labels like "Organic" have far stricter rules, explicitly prohibiting all antibiotic use.
Beyond Antibiotics: In-N-Out's Documented Quality Claims
While its antibiotic policy remains unclear, In-N-Out does provide extensive information on other aspects of its food quality. The company states it uses only fresh, 100% USDA ground chuck, which is free of additives, fillers, and preservatives. In-N-Out produces its own patties in company-owned facilities and delivers them fresh to its restaurants, which are limited in location by the distance from these facilities. The chain's patties are never frozen, a practice that contributes to the meat's juiciness and flavor. In-N-Out's website provides a clear picture of its commitment to fresh, simple ingredients, just not to the antibiotic sourcing that concerns many health advocates.
Conclusion: The Verdict on In-N-Out and Antibiotics
For consumers, the answer to whether there are antibiotics in the In-N-Out burger is complex. The company made a public commitment in 2016 to move away from the routine use of antibiotics important to human medicine but has since failed to provide transparent updates on its progress. This lack of transparency, coupled with negative reports from consumer groups, makes it impossible to definitively state that its beef is free from all antibiotics. While In-N-Out excels in other quality metrics like freshness, its ambiguous antibiotic policy contrasts sharply with the clearer stances of competitors like Chipotle. Ultimately, customers prioritizing a verified, stringent "no antibiotics ever" policy may want to look elsewhere, while others may be content with the promise of fresh, unfrozen beef. You can read the original coalition letter that led to In-N-Out's 2016 pledge here: Coalition Letter to In-N-Out Burger regarding its Antibiotics Policy.
