Tyson, USDA agree on new label wording

After six weeks of consumer research and discussion, Tyson Foods and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have agreed on new label wording for products from Tyson’s ‘Raised Without Antibiotics’ chicken program. Product labels now state: “Chicken Raised Without Antibiotics that impact antibiotic resistance in humans.” Tyson began seeking modified wording in November, after USDA notified the company that its original label had been mistakenly approved by the government since the company uses ionophores as an ingredient in its chicken feed. Tyson’s practice of using ionophores was noted in its original label application, which was approved by USDA in May 2007. However, USDA officials subsequently withdrew their approval of the label in November, telling Tyson they considered ionophores a form of antibiotics. Tyson currently plans to continue using ionophores, which are recognised by the U.S. government as a safe feed ingredient.