Is Foster Farms chicken antibiotic free? A nutritional diet guide

In recent years, a growing number of consumers—over a third in a 2019 survey—have specifically sought out meat products with "no antibiotics" claims. So, is Foster Farms chicken antibiotic free, and what does that mean for your family's nutrition diet?

Quick Summary

Foster Farms offers specific chicken product lines, such as Simply Raised and Organic, that are produced without antibiotics. The company distinguishes these from its conventional products based on labeling, sourcing, and health practices.

Key Points

• Not all Foster Farms chicken is antibiotic-free: The company offers distinct product lines, including Simply Raised (NAE) and Certified Organic, which are raised without any antibiotics.

• Conventional chicken has a limited antibiotic policy: Foster Farms' conventional chicken flocks may receive animal-only antibiotics for treating illness, but never for growth promotion.

• Antibiotic-free claims are government-verified: Products with "No Antibiotics Ever" or the USDA Organic seal are verified by the USDA to ensure no antibiotics were used.

• Reduced antibiotic resistance risk: Choosing NAE or Organic chicken supports efforts to combat antibiotic resistance, a global public health concern.

• Residue-free chicken is standard: By law, all chicken sold in the US, regardless of antibiotic use history, is free of harmful antibiotic residue due to withdrawal periods.

• Organic offers broader benefits: In addition to being antibiotic-free, Organic chicken includes standards for diet (organic, non-GMO) and living conditions (free-range).

• Label awareness is key: Knowing the difference between Foster Farms' Conventional, Simply Raised, and Organic labels allows consumers to make informed choices based on personal priorities.

What Is Foster Farms' Antibiotic Policy?

Foster Farms has implemented policies to reduce and eliminate antibiotic use in poultry production. They avoid using antibiotics critical for human medicine, reserving them only for sick flocks under veterinary care, and never use them for growth promotion.

Products labeled "No Antibiotics Ever" (NAE) or "Organic" ensure no antibiotics are used. Conventional flocks may receive animal-only antibiotics for treatment. All chicken is free of antibiotic residue due to federal withdrawal period requirements.

Decoding Foster Farms Chicken Labels

Foster Farms uses labels to distinguish product lines for consumers.

The "No Antibiotics Ever" (NAE) and Simply Raised Labels

• NAE and Simply Raised: This label guarantees no antibiotics were used. Simply Raised chickens are also free-range, fed a vegetarian diet, and air-chilled.
• USDA Verification: The USDA verifies the NAE claim, ensuring no antibiotics were administered. Sick chickens needing treatment are excluded from NAE products.

The "Certified Organic" Label

• Organic Standards: USDA Certified Organic chicken must meet federal rules, including being raised without antibiotics. They also receive organic, non-GMO feed and have outdoor access.
• Highest Assurance: This label provides a strong guarantee regarding antibiotic use, feed, and living conditions.

The Conventional Label

• Conventional Policy: Conventional Foster Farms chicken follows a policy that excludes critical human antibiotics but allows animal-only antibiotics for treating illness. These products are not NAE or organic but are residue-free.

Comparing Foster Farms' Chicken Options

Feature	Conventional Chicken	Simply Raised (NAE)	Organic Chicken
Antibiotic Use	Animal-only antibiotics used for therapeutic reasons, no critical human antibiotics.	No Antibiotics Ever from hatch to harvest.	No Antibiotics Ever, per organic standards.
Diet	May include conventional grains and feed.	100% vegetarian diet.	100% certified organic, non-GMO, vegetarian feed.
Living Conditions	Standard indoor housing, not necessarily free-range.	Raised free-range with access to outdoors.	Free-range with access to the outdoors.
Certification	Not applicable.	USDA Process Verified for "No Antibiotics Ever".	USDA Certified Organic.
Processing	May be water-chilled.	Air-chilled.	Air-chilled.

The Nutritional Aspect: Is Antibiotic-Free Better?

Both conventional and antibiotic-free chicken are safe and free of harmful residue. Choosing antibiotic-free poultry primarily supports public health by reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance, linked to antibiotic overuse. Opting for NAE or organic chicken supports practices that help mitigate this issue. While antibiotic-free status doesn't change basic nutrition, NAE and Organic products may offer other benefits due to factors like free-range access or diet.

Making an Informed Dietary Choice

Consumer choice depends on priorities. For those focused on reducing antibiotic resistance, NAE or Organic options are relevant. Organic offers stricter standards on welfare and feed. Conventional chicken remains a safe and affordable protein. Checking labels for claims like "No Antibiotics Ever" or the USDA Organic seal helps align purchases with personal values.

Conclusion: A Range of Healthy Options

Foster Farms offers conventional and antibiotic-free chicken options. Their Simply Raised (NAE) and Organic lines are raised without antibiotics. Conventional chicken uses a policy limiting use to therapeutic animal-only antibiotics. Label awareness enables consumers to choose based on their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Foster Farms chicken products are explicitly antibiotic-free?

Foster Farms' Simply Raised and USDA Certified Organic product lines are explicitly produced without any antibiotics. They are labeled with 'No Antibiotics Ever' (NAE) to indicate this.

What is the difference between Foster Farms' Simply Raised and Organic chicken?

Both Simply Raised and Organic chicken are raised without antibiotics. The Organic line, however, also adheres to stricter federal standards that require an organic, non-GMO diet and specific living conditions.

Does conventional Foster Farms chicken contain antibiotics?

No, Foster Farms conventional chicken sold in stores does not contain antibiotic residue. Federal regulations mandate a withdrawal period before processing to ensure no harmful residues are present in any chicken product.

Is Foster Farms' 'No Antibiotics Ever' claim verified by a third party?

Yes, Foster Farms' antibiotic-free products, including those with the 'No Antibiotics Ever' (NAE) claim, are verified by the USDA through its Process Verified Program.

Is antibiotic-free chicken more nutritious than conventional chicken?

The antibiotic-free status itself does not necessarily mean the chicken is more nutritious. However, practices like being free-range and having a special diet, as found in some NAE or organic lines, can affect the meat's nutritional profile.

Why is avoiding antibiotics in poultry considered a good nutrition choice?

Choosing chicken raised without antibiotics reduces the agricultural contribution to antibiotic resistance, a major global health concern. It helps preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics used in human medicine.

What is the key takeaway for consumers interested in Foster Farms and antibiotic use?

The key takeaway is to read the labels carefully. Look for "No Antibiotics Ever" (NAE) or the USDA Organic seal if you want chicken raised without any antibiotics. If a product doesn't have these specific claims, it was likely raised conventionally, but is still free of antibiotic residue.