Tyson said in a statement that while did use the “Raised Without Antibiotics” label, it did so in the belief it was with the correct government approvals. After lawsuits from competing companies and political pressure, the company said it stopped the labeling program.
“Like most companies in the poultry industry, including some involved organic chicken production, we vaccinate eggs before the birds hatch in order to prevent a virus known as Marek’s disease,” the company said in a statement. “A small amount of antibiotic is included in the vaccine to prevent cross-contamination between eggs during the vaccination process.”
The company said that according to U.S. Department of Agriculture, chickens hatched from eggs that receive the treatment can still be considered organic.
Tyson said that despite the story on the Web site, it no longer uses a “Raised Without Antibiotics” label and is not suing the USDA to use the label.
Source: Tyson Foods Inc.
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