Raised Without Antibiotics: tackling antibiotic resistance

Reducing antibiotic use today helps preserve their effectiveness for tomorrow and lessens the spread of antibiotic resistance.

Did you know 82% of antibiotics sold in Canada are used in animal production.

Why it matters.

Antibiotics are used to help treat bacterial pathogens and infections in humans and animals. Routine antibiotic misuse or overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance, which makes antibiotics less effective when we need them the most.

We’ve got high standards.

Happy chickens are healthier chickens. Raised cage-free with room to roam and play in climate-controlled barns, our chickens always have access to water and a wholesome vegetable grain-fed diet. Our Raised Without Antibiotics chickens are never given hormones, steroids or antibiotics – ever.

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The real deal.

At Maple Leaf, we believe in the importance of chicken Raised Without Antibiotics (RWA), and we work hard to help preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for the health and well-being of our families.

Ask the WHY

Why are antibiotics used in chicken?

Like people, animals sometimes get sick, and treating them is a responsible part of animal care. Our farmers work closely with veterinarians and experts to determine if and when antibiotics are ever needed.

Why is raised without antibiotics important to me?

When you choose Prime^® Raised Without Antibiotics, you’re helping reduce antibiotic overuse that contributes to antibiotic resistance.

No matter whether you’re sharing traditional, Organic or Prime^® Raised Without Antibiotics chicken, you should always feel good about its quality and safety for your family.

Do you use antibiotics as a preventative measure to stave off infections?

In Canada, approved veterinary antibiotics may be given to poultry flocks to reduce and prevent disease outbreaks, and to prevent any potential food safety problems. Please find more information here.

What happens when chickens need antibiotics?

At Maple Leaf, we reduce antibiotic use through our Raised Without Antibiotics Program. By following stringent protocols to keep our flocks healthy, we make sure they get top-notch care and nutrition. If antibiotics are ever necessary for the welfare of our animals, those chickens won’t be sold as Prime^® Raised Without Antibiotics.

How is Prime® Raised Without Antibiotics different from other chicken?

Not all chickens are raised without antibiotics, but you can rest assured that all Maple Leaf Prime^® Raised Without Antibiotics chicken has never been treated with antibiotics – ever.

Is there a difference between raised without antibiotics and organic chicken?

Yes, there is! Raised without antibiotics means our chickens have never been treated with antibiotics in any way from hatch to processing. With Organic chickens, our birds are fed a certified organic diet with no animal by-products or antibiotics. They’re also given more space in barns with natural lighting and outdoor access – enriching the life of organic birds.

What is antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotic resistance happens when the misuse or overuse of antibiotics causes bacteria to become stronger and more resistant to them. This makes it harder for antibiotics to work effectively when we need them the most, to help treat harmful bacteria and pathogens that can cause serious illness.

How do you raise chickens so that they don’t need antibiotics? What do you do differently?

All of our chickens follow a special health program designed to promote and develop strong immune systems to help defend against any health issues without the use of antibiotics.

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