Consumer Coalition Calls on In-N-Out Burger to Fulfill Promise to Reduce Antibiotics Use in Beef

OAKLAND, CALIF. - Public interest, environmental, food safety and consumer groups representing millions of consumers sent a letter today calling on In-N-Out Burger, California's iconic hamburger restaurant chain, to make good on its promise to stop selling beef produced with routine antibiotics.

The groups delivered a letter to the company’s corporate headquarters urging In-N-Out to publicly release an update on its progress as well as a timeline for meeting its public commitment, made 15 months ago, to implement a strong antibiotics policy. Among the more than 30 groups that signed the letter were CALPIRG Education Fund, Friends of the Earth, Center for Food Safety, Consumers Union, and author and activist Vani Hari.

In-N-Out received widespread coverage and praise in February 2016 for committing to eliminate routine antibiotic use from its beef supply. More than a year later, the company has yet to provide public information on its progress, despite repeated requests from thousands of coalition supporters.

“It’s time for In-N-Out Burger to stop dragging its feet and make good on its promise to require its meat suppliers to improve practices and end the misuse of antibiotics,” said Kari Hamerschlag, deputy director of food and technology at Friends of the Earth. “In-N-Out can immediately make good on its promise by serving a more sustainable grass-fed or organic burger option that is produced without routine antibiotics.”

“In-N-Out made a promise to the public, and the company should follow through. It's that simple," said Jason Pfeifle, Public Health Advocate with CALPIRG Education Fund. "Fifteen months is more than enough time to set a clear timeline for switching to beef raised without routine antibiotics.”

"In-N-Out is a highly regarded chain that many people believe serves better food than their competitors,” said author and activist Vani Hari. “It's time to live up to their reputation and stop lagging behind other fast food companies that have responsibly decided not to serve meat raised with routine antibiotics or growth hormones."

"In-N-Out and other popular regional chains have an opportunity to make important progress in areas where the industry and federal government continue to lag,” said Rebecca Spector, West Coast Director with Center for Food Safety. “Until strong federal regulations prohibit the routine use of antibiotics and other drugs in all animals raised for food, In-N-Out can help protect human health, animal welfare, and the environment by following through on its commitment for its beef supply.”

For more information on antibiotic overuse on industrial farms, and to learn more about fast food chains commitments on this issue, visit the Chain Reaction II report.