Report: More restaurants get ‘passing’ antibiotics grades

Nine of the nation’s 25 leading restaurant chains received passing grades in the second annual Chain Reaction – How Top Restaurants Rate on Reducing Use of Antibiotics in their Meat Supply.

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Subway has adopted a strict policy that will phase out the use of antibiotics in its supply of chicken, turkey, pork and beef. | Roy Graber
Subway has adopted a strict policy that will phase out the use of antibiotics in its supply of chicken, turkey, pork and beef. | Roy Graber

Nine of the nation’s 25 leading restaurant chains received passing grades in the second annual Chain Reaction – How Top Restaurants Rate on Reducing Use of Antibiotics in their Meat Supply report.

The first report, released a year ago, was prepared as concerns grow about the potential link between antibiotic use in animal agriculture and antibiotic resistance. It is prepared by a coalition of groups, including Friends of the Earth, Natural Resources Defense Council, Consumers Union, Food Animal Concerns Trust, Keep antibiotics Working and Center for Food Safety. 

While only five restaurant chains received passing grades in the 2015 report, nine have passed in 2016.

Restaurants to get passing grades

Only two restaurants received A grades. For the second year in a row, Panera Bread and Chipotle, both of which well-known for their strict antibiotics policies, and have publicly affirmed that the majority of their meat and poultry is produced without routine use of antibiotics, were the only two companies to receive an A grade.

Chick-fil-A received a B grade for the second year in a row. Joining Chick-fil-A in earning a B grade was Subway, which since the 2015 report was issued announced a bold plan to phase out the use of all antibiotics in its supply of chicken, turkey, beef and pork. Subway received a failing grade in last year’s report.

McDonald’s scored a C+ on the 2016 report, improving from the C it received one year ago. Within the past year, McDonald’s achieved its goal of eliminating the use of antibiotics also used in human medicine from its chicken supply.

Earning a C was Wendy’s, while Taco Bell was given a C- grade. Pizza Hut received a D+ and Papa John’s received a D. All four were given failing grades one year ago.

Restaurants receiving failing grades

Only one restaurant chain was graded more harshly in 2016 than in 2015. Dunkin’ Donuts, which was given a D grade one year ago, was on the list of chains to receive an F in 2016.

Other restaurants on the failing list were KFC, Sonic, Olive Garden, Denny’s, Starbuck’s, Jack in the Box, Burger King, Applebee’s, Domino’s, Chili’s, Little Caesars, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dairy Queen, Arby’s and IHOP.

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