Consumers just scored an important victory over the food industry. Citing an internal study that showed 66 percent of its customers were more likely to shop from a retailer that ensures humane treatment of livestock, Wal-Mart made a historic announcement last Friday. The giant retailer, who controls one quarter of the US grocery market, wants its suppliers of animal products to eliminate the subtherapeutic use of antibiotics, and to adhere to the “five principles” of animal welfare. It also requires suppliers to publicly disclose their use of antibiotics and treatment of animals every year. Wal-Mart’s call for transparency may be all it takes for this initiative to be a true game-changer with far-reaching consequences on animal welfare and public health.
Wal-Mart pressures its suppliers to ban antibiotics from animal feed
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