Lee Brittain

March 15, 2015

Article 3 (word count 364)

In early March, fast food giant McDonalds announced the chain would phase out chickens raised with anti-biotics within the next two years for the United States; European stores following soon afterwards.

Concerns have been growing in recent years that anti-biotics fed to live-stock may reduce the effectiveness of certain drugs in humans. McDonald appears to be feeling the pressure to win back customers due to slowing sales; making the decision to start with their poultry.

According to a survey conducted by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) consumers are growing more health conscious. Corporations such as McDonald’s, Burger King and Nestle seem to be feeling the pressure to keep up with the changing times.

McDonald’s reported their net income for the last quarter of 2014 had fallen thirty percent, compared to the same period the previous year.

These changes to McDonald’s products are due in part to growing demand from consumers for food made with better ingredients.

“I refuse to eat there,” said Christine Poss of Indian Rocks Beach, “I won’t put that garbage in my body.”

Fast-food competitor, Burger King, is also feeling the pressure from advocacy groups such as the Center for Science in the Public Interest to make healthier choices available.

Burger King recently took a similar path to both McDonald’s and Wendy’s by taking soft-drinks off their kids meal.

Alex Macedo, president of Burger King North America could not be reached for comment, but in a statement made to USA TODAY, Alex said they removed soft-drinks “as part of our ongoing effort to offer our guests options that match lifestyle needs.”

Other franchises such as Dunkin’ Donuts also announced they would phase out a bleach whitening agent they use for their powdered sugar on some varieties of doughnuts. Around the same time, Swiss food giant Nestle announced that it would be removing all artificial colors and flavors from its products.

“Times are changing; people are more aware of ingredients and what these chemicals to do their bodies. Big corporations have a responsibility to give the consumer what they want,” said Poss.