The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association is defending the use of growth promotants in beef production, following A&W’s announcement that all of its burgers are made and will be made from cattle “raised without any added steroids or hormones.”
In a statement, the CCA said the relevant science clearly shows that growth promotants, which improve feed efficiency and rate of gain, are safe.
“Canadian beef producers have used antimicrobials and growth promotants for more than four decades, and science shows no negative consequences for the health or safety of animals or humans related to their use.”
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A&W Canada announced this week that it is now sourcing its beef from ranches that raise cattle in a “sustainable” manner and do not treat animals with growth promotants.
A&W contracted a market research firm, QRI International, to assess consumer response to beef free of growth promotants.
QRI International found that 89 percent of burger eaters were “impressed and interested that A&W is serving beef raised without added hormones or steroids.”
With its announcement, A&W becomes the first national burger chain to serve beef free of growth hormones.
The CCA didn’t overtly mention A&W’s Better Beef campaign in its statement, but it did criticize the program indirectly.
“The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association appreciates efforts to connect consumers to farmers and farming practices, provided such marketing campaigns do not misinform the consumer,” its statement said.
“No matter the brand or method of production, when consumers buy Canadian beef, they can be confident they are buying the finest beef available.”
As noted on its website, A&W Canada has 790 locations in the country and is the second largest hamburger restaurant company in the nation.