PORTLAND, Ore. — While a recent report was critical of many of the top burger chains in the United States for their beef antibiotic policies, one Northwest burger chain received praise.
The recent report graded the top 25 fast-food burger chains. Twenty-two of them received an “F” grade. Only two of the restaurants, Shake Shack and BurgerFi, received an “A” grade.
The authors of the report argue their findings are important because antibiotics in our meat supply could lead to more antibiotic-resistant superbugs. The report was a collaborative effort between the Center for Food Safety, Consumer Reports, Food Animal Concerns Trust, U.S. PIRG Education Fund, Friends of the Earth, and Natural Resources Defense Council.
While many of the large fast-food chains received poor grades, there were some smaller chains that were highlighted for serving antibiotic free beef.
That included Burgerville. The Northwest burger chain was one of seven smaller chains that received an “honorable mention,” the equivalent of an “A” grade, according to Charlie Fisher, with the Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group.
That’s because for the last 15 years, Burgerville has bought 100 percent of its beef from antibiotic free sources.
“Quite simply, this is in line with who we are and our Northwest values,” said Hillary Barbour, director of strategic initiatives with Burgerville.
"We need the larger chains around the country to follow their lead," Fisher said.