Phase 2 Outcomes
Policy coverage remains limited to broiler supply chains
While 10 companies have a policy for broiler chickens, 50% of the QSRs do not have a public policy covering any of the other proteins (egg-laying hens, beef, pork, dairy and seafood) assessed as part of the engagement, highlighting the lack of progress since Phase 1.
All companies have exposure to the six proteins, but few disclose enough information to identify the extent of this exposure.
85%
of medically important antibiotics sold for use in food-producing animals in the US in 2023 were intended for cattle and swine.50%
of the engagement companies only have an antibiotic policy covering broilers, despite exposure to additional animal proteins.25% - 97%
the estimated range of global restaurant footprints covered by broiler antibiotic policies.30%
of material proteins assessed are covered by a publicly available policy that aligns to some extent with WHO Guidelines.25%
of companies use a third party to track or audit antibiotic use in their US broiler supply chains.25%
of companies have set a forward- looking and time-bound reduction target for at least one protein.Protein Exposure
All companies have exposure to the six proteins, but few provide sufficient disclosure to identify the extent of this exposure.
Most proteins are not covered by an antibiotic policy that fully aligns with WHO guidelines
Only 30% of material proteins are covered by a policy that restricts antibiotic use to some degree in alignment with WHO guidelines. Only one company provides evidence that it is actively developing a new policy to cover an additional protein.
Supply chain and geographic coverage of antibiotic policies vary greatly
The percentage of restaurants and supply chains covered by the broiler policies of the engagement cohort vary greatly, and disclosure around this is not always clear. Positively, two companies appear to have extended their broiler policies to cover additional brands during Phase 2 of the engagement.
Evidence of policy implementation is improving
It is important to understand the extent to which suppliers are compliant with company policies. Four companies now disclose the use of a third party to track or verify antibiotic use in their US broiler supply chains, however, no company discloses the quantities of antibiotics used.