Responding to consumer demand, Tyson announced a new line of meat sourced from pigs raised without drugs, labeled Open Prairie Natural Pork.
Source: Takepart, February 25, 2016.
While the industry has long argued that it simply cannot raise animals without antibiotics—going so far as to say that doing so would be cruel or inhumane, as sick animals could die—changes in consumer behavior are pushing companies like Perdue and Tyson to figure out how to meet demand. Last year, 25 percent of Americans said they are seeking out antibiotic-free meat more often than they did in 2014, according to a survey published by Consumer Reports in November.
INSIGHTS – With the typically premium pricing for organic, all-natural or “something-free” products, this will be interesting to watch. Give Tyson credit for responding to customer demand. Whether this demand is based on fact, will be steady or fleeting, remains to be seen.