What chicken brands don't use antibiotics? The guide to safer poultry

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2019 Consumer Reports survey, more than a third of consumers frequently buy meat and poultry with a 'no antibiotics' claim. However, navigating the many labels to find what chicken brands don't use antibiotics? can be confusing, with subtle wording differences hiding important information. This guide will help you understand the claims and identify the brands committed to an antibiotic-free promise.

Quick Summary

Deciphering poultry labels to find antibiotic-free options requires understanding industry terms. This guide provides a breakdown of common claims like 'No Antibiotics Ever' and 'Organic', highlights reputable brands that uphold these standards, and explains the benefits of choosing poultry raised without routine antibiotics for your health and the environment.

Key Points

Deciphering Labels: Not all 'antibiotic-free' claims mean the same thing; 'No Antibiotics Ever' is the most reliable, ensuring no antibiotics are used at any point.
Trusted Brands: Reputable brands like Perdue (NAE), Smart Chicken, Mary's Chickens, Foster Farms (Simply Raised), and Bell & Evans are committed to antibiotic-free production.
Health Benefits: Choosing antibiotic-free chicken helps reduce the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, or 'superbugs,' which pose a significant global health threat.
Ethical and Environmental Impact: Antibiotic-free poultry production often involves more humane farming practices, better animal welfare, and supports a more sustainable food system.
Additional Certifications: For the highest standards, look for the USDA Organic seal in conjunction with a 'Raised Without Antibiotics' claim, ensuring non-GMO feed, outdoor access, and no antibiotic use.
Safe Handling is Key: Regardless of the label, always follow proper food handling and cooking procedures to ensure safety.

Navigating a confusing marketplace for antibiotic-free chicken

Choosing the right poultry can be a challenge, as food labels are filled with jargon that can be misleading. While the USDA prohibits the use of hormones in all poultry, antibiotics are a different story. The overuse of antibiotics in factory farming is a major contributor to antibiotic resistance, a growing global health threat. For many consumers, understanding what chicken brands don't use antibiotics? has become a top priority for making informed decisions.

Understanding antibiotic label claims

Not all 'antibiotic' labels mean the same thing. The USDA regulates the use of these terms, but some still allow for loopholes.

No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) or Raised Without Antibiotics: This is the strongest and most reliable claim. It means the chicken was never given antibiotics of any kind, from hatching to processing. If a bird gets sick and needs antibiotics, it is removed from the NAE program. Some brands further verify this claim with a USDA Process Verified seal.
Organic: To earn the USDA Organic seal, chicken must be fed certified organic, non-GMO feed and cannot be given antibiotics. This label also includes other animal welfare standards, like access to the outdoors. However, a small loophole exists where chicks can be given antibiotics in the hatchery during their first day of life, unless the product is also labeled 'Raised Without Antibiotics'.
No Medically Important Antibiotics: This claim means the chickens weren't given antibiotics that are also used in human medicine. It doesn't mean the chickens are antibiotic-free, as they may still be given other types of antibiotics.
One Health Certified: This label includes minimal restrictions on antibiotic use and allows chickens treated with antibiotics to be sold.

Reputable chicken brands that avoid antibiotics

Several brands are committed to antibiotic-free production, often verified by 'No Antibiotics Ever' or 'Raised Without Antibiotics' labels and sometimes a USDA Process Verified seal. These include Perdue (NAE for consumer products), Smart Chicken (Natural and Organic, NAE), Mary's Chickens (No Antibiotics line), Foster Farms (Simply Raised®, NAE, free-range), Bell & Evans (NAE), Applegate (Raised Without Antibiotics), many Trader Joe's organic and 'All-Natural' lines, and Coleman Natural (NAE).

The health and environmental reasons for choosing antibiotic-free

Avoiding chicken raised with antibiotics helps combat antibiotic resistance, a significant global health issue where bacteria develop resistance to treatment. By choosing antibiotic-free, consumers support farmers using healthy practices, potentially including better living conditions for birds, reducing the need for preventative antibiotics. Some also believe antibiotic-free chicken has better flavor and texture.

How to choose the right antibiotic-free chicken for you

Look for 'No Antibiotics Ever' or 'Raised Without Antibiotics' labels. For animal welfare and non-GMO feed, consider certified organic, but confirm the 'No Antibiotics Ever' claim as well. Always practice safe food handling and cook chicken to the correct internal temperature.

Comparison of Antibiotic-Free Chicken Labels


Label Claim	What it Means	Third-Party Verification	Potential Loopholes	Best For...
No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) / Raised Without Antibiotics (RWA)	No antibiotics of any kind, ever. If a bird is treated, it is removed from the program.	USDA Process Verified (optional but recommended)	None, when verified.	Consumers who want absolute assurance of no antibiotic use.
Organic	No antibiotics during life; fed certified organic, non-GMO feed; includes outdoor access.	USDA Organic seal requires annual inspection	Chicks can receive antibiotics in the hatchery during their first day of life unless also labeled RWA.	Consumers prioritizing environmental sustainability, non-GMO feed, and animal welfare.
One Health Certified	Minimally restricted antibiotic use.	Companies are audited for compliance.	Allows meat from animals treated with antibiotics to be sold under this label.	Consumers looking for industry-standard practices, not strict antibiotic avoidance.
No Medically Important Antibiotics	No antibiotics used to treat humans, but other non-human drugs may be used.	Some companies have this policy.	Does not mean the chicken is antibiotic-free. Still allows use of some antibiotics.	Consumers who want to reduce, but not eliminate, antibiotic exposure.

Conclusion

Making an informed decision about your chicken purchase goes beyond just reading the brand name. By understanding the different label claims and looking for reputable brands with verified No Antibiotics Ever or Organic programs, you can find a product that aligns with your health and environmental values. Choosing antibiotic-free chicken supports sustainable farming and helps combat the serious public health issue of antibiotic resistance. Armed with this knowledge, you can shop confidently and cook with peace of mind. For more information on different food labels and their meanings, Consumer Reports is an excellent resource to consult.

Frequently Asked Questions

While both prohibit the use of antibiotics, 'No Antibiotics Ever' (NAE) is a specific process claim regarding antibiotics only. The USDA Organic label covers a broader range of standards, including non-GMO feed and outdoor access, but may have a minor loophole allowing antibiotics in the hatchery on the first day, unless also labeled RWA. For absolute assurance of no antibiotics, NAE is the most specific claim.

Some consumers report that antibiotic-free chicken has a superior flavor and texture, possibly due to the chickens being raised in healthier, less stressful conditions. However, taste is subjective, and safe handling is the most important factor for flavor regardless of the brand.

The main benefit is helping to combat antibiotic resistance, a major public health concern. The overuse of antibiotics in livestock contributes to the rise of 'superbugs' that are resistant to treatment in humans. Choosing antibiotic-free chicken also supports more humane and sustainable farming practices.

A 'USDA Process Verified' seal means that a USDA inspector has visited the farm to confirm that the company is following a strict program, such as one with a 'No Antibiotics Ever' claim. This adds an extra layer of assurance that the brand's claim is legitimate.

No, the term 'Natural' on its own is unregulated and essentially meaningless when it comes to antibiotic use. It simply means the product is minimally processed and contains no artificial ingredients. You should look for a specific 'No Antibiotics Ever' or 'Raised Without Antibiotics' claim.

Some fast-food chains have policies to use chicken raised without antibiotics, but it's important to check their specific claims. For example, some may only avoid 'medically important' antibiotics, meaning other types could still be used. Chipotle and Panera Bread, for instance, claim to use meat and poultry 'raised without antibiotics'.

Yes, all poultry sold in the US is processed and inspected under federal regulations. The risk comes from the potential for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, not from antibiotic residues in the meat, which are cleared before processing. Proper cooking and handling are always crucial for safety.