DeLauro Joins Environmental and Consumer Advocacy Groups in Saying “Thank You” To Subway for Going Antibiotic-Free

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) joined environmental and consumer advocacy groups from across Connecticut today in thanking Subway for going antibiotic-free:

“Subway’s commitment to eliminate the use of antibiotics in its meat is exactly the right direction for our nation’s health. I urge the company to keep this promise and stick to the timeline they outlined during their October 20 announcement, or move even faster in response to the wishes of so many of their customers. There is overwhelming scientific evidence misuse of antibiotics on factory farms has created a public health crisis and put our critical, lifesaving drugs at risk.

“According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, currently 80 percent of antibiotics sold in the U.S. are sold for us on animals, typically in their food or water, and those antibiotics are frequently used to compensate for unsanitary and crowded conditions. This is unacceptable. The problems caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria need immediate attention from both the public and private sectors. Subway’s decision sends a clear message to our industrial food producers that consumers want something different and that it is time to change the status quo of meat production. I urge other food retail establishments to follow suit and Congress to pass the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act to stop eight critical classes of antibiotics from being routinely fed to healthy animals.”


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