"Free from" labelling is deceiving.
When the label on your meat says “antibiotic free” know that it’s a deceiving label. That’s because all meat is antibiotic free.
Here’s why: There is a strict withdrawal period that must be adhered to when animals in the food chain become sick and need to be treated with antibiotics. The length of withdrawal time varies, depending on the type of animal and the antibiotic given.
It is important to know that farmers and ranchers must keep records of antibiotics given. And the animal given the antibiotics cannot be sold for food until the prescribed withdrawal time has passed.
Learn more about antibiotic withdrawal from My Fearless Kitchen.
Or if you want to get deep into the science, check out this in-depth withdrawal explanation.
This article first appeared on OYT on 3-7-2018