Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced that it has not changed its standards for responsibly raised beef, reaffirming its commitment to antibiotic-free meat.
The company's responsibly raised beef, chicken and pork continue to come from animals that are never treated to antibiotics or added hormones.
Chipotle founder chairman and co-CEO Steve Ells said that the company decided to start serving meat from animals that have never been given antibiotics or added hormones more than a decade ago.
"And we continue to be committed to the elimination of antibiotics that are used to promote growth in livestock being raised in confinement operations."
Chipotle has considered new protocols including one that would allow animals to be treated with antibiotics only when necessary for their continued health; however, that protocol has not been implemented.
The company is currently evaluating if this 'never-ever' antibiotic protocol is best for the animals, or whether animals can be treated when necessary and allowed to remain in the herd.
In 2012, Chipotle served more than 120 million pounds of responsibly raised beef, pork and chicken.