Consumer
As Profits Plunge, Tyson Pulls Back on Costly Antibiotic-Free Beef
The company’s actions raise questions about the future of antibiotics in the meat industry following a move away from them.
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Tyson Foods Inc., one of the world’s largest meat suppliers, is downsizing its antibiotic-free beef offerings after backing away from chicken raised without antibiotics last year.
In moves pointing to a broader shift, the company told a major customer late in 2023 that it wouldn’t be able to keep supplying it with beef raised without antibiotics, according to a person familiar with the decision who asked not to be named discussing private conversations. Tyson also said antibiotic-free beef from its Open Prairie Natural Meats brand would be limited starting in January, according to a document seen by Bloomberg.