Starting this spring, Chick-fil-A will transition its chicken sourcing policy from No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) to No Antibiotics Important to Human Medicine (NAIHM). The company says this change boils down to its ability to continually source chicken that meets its high-quality standards. 

Breaking Down Chick-fil-A's Change from No Antibiotics Ever to No Antibiotics Important to Human Medicine 

• Previously, Chick-fil-A used NAE chicken, meaning no antibiotics were administered to the birds during their lifespan.

• The new NAIHM standard allows for the use of veterinary-specific antibiotics to treat sick chickens while prohibiting use of antibiotics crucial to human health.

A Way to Maintain Quality Standards

Chick-fil-A is emphatic that this policy shift isn't a compromise on quality and the company remains dedicated to:

• Serving real, white breast meat.

• Avoiding artificial preservatives, fillers, and steroids.

• No added hormones (already prohibited by U.S. regulations on chicken).

• Sourcing chicken from U.S. farms adhering to the company's Animal Wellbeing Standards.

Additionally:

• Chick-fil-A's well-being Standards align with the Five Freedoms for animal welfare.

• Chick-fil-A's also has an independent Animal Wellbeing Council that provides expert guidance to ensure the company's practices meet or exceed industry standards.

Chick-fil-A Already Receiving Backlash on Social Media

The recent announcement has already rubbed loyal Chick-fil-A fans the wrong way, with many going so far as to call for a boycott, but with supply chain issues at the heart of the change, it's unlikely that the company will be able to walk back the decision even with pressure from the public.