NEW YORK, Nov. 20, 2007 (Thomson Financial delivered by Newstex) -- Tyson Foods Inc. (NYSE:TSN) Tuesday said it remains committed to its 'Raised without Antibiotics' chicken program despite a ruling from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that the company can no longer label its products as 'raised without antibiotics.'
Tyson received approval from the USDA to use the specialized label in May, but the regulatory body now says it made a mistake in allowing the labeling as Tyson uses ionophores in its chicken feed.
Ionophores are lipid-soluble molecules that can defend against invading microbes and are sometimes used as antibiotics, though not in human medicine. They are used in chicken feed to prevent coccidia, an intestinal illness in the birds.
In September, the USDA gave Tyson several options, including removing the label, submitting a new label application, or changing the formulation of the chicken feed.
'We've been in discussion with USDA officials on the best way to resolve this matter, and have submitted modified labeling we hope is approved soon,' Tyson said. 'The additional wording states no ingredients have been used that could create antibiotic resistance in humans, which is the major reason anyone is concerned about antibiotics in poultry production.'
Tyson said it doesn't believe ionophores are antibiotics, and that they are metabolized by the birds and don't carry over into the meat. The Food and Drug Administration excludes ionophores from the list of animal drugs deemed antibiotics, Tyson added.
The company said it doesn't expect any disruption in service to customers because of the USDA ruling.
Shares of Tyson rose 14 cents to $14.98.CNNMoney.com
