Consumer, Food Groups call on McDonald’s to go Antibiotic-free

The state consumer group Illinois PIRG joined the launch of a national campaign asking McDonald’s to stop the purchase of meat raised with antibiotics. One of the largest purchasers of beef, pork and chicken in the United States, such a commitment from McDonald’s would help tackle the growing public health crisis of antibiotic resistance.

The campaign launch will take place at antibiotic-free restaurant Sopraffina Marketcaffe in the Franklin Center, Chicago. PIRG staff and volunteers will distribute guides for consumers highlighting fast and casual food chains in Illinois that have made commitments to serve meat raised without antibiotics.  Chick-fil-A, for instance, which has committed to purchase only chicken raised without antibiotics within five years will be spotlighted, as well as local chains such as Hannah’s Bretzel, which only sells meat raised without antibiotics.

Attending the campaign launch will be:

Sarah Hidder, Associate Director, Green Chicago Restaurant Coalition

Taryn Kelly, VP of Marketing, The Rosenthal Group, which owns Sopraffina Marketcaffes, Trattoria No. 10, and Poag Mahone’s

Dev Gowda, Illinois PIRG’s McDonald’s: Help Save Antibiotics Campaign Coordinator

The campaign launch will be held at Sopraffina Marketcaffe, in the Franklin Center, 222 W. Adams St., Chicago (on W. Adams St, between S. Franklin St and S. Wells St), Thursday, January 22, 2015 at 10:00 AM

For more information, call (312) 726-4800

Illinois PIRG Education Fund conducts research and public education on behalf of consumers and the public interest. Our research, analysis, reports, and outreach serve as counterweights to the influence of powerful special interests that threaten our health, safety, or well-being.  Find out more at www.illinoispirgedfund.org