Did Tyson Foods Stretch the Truth with “No Antibiotics” Labels?

By Sarah Pierce

Health and environmentally conscious consumers are bound to get their feathers ruffled over this one.

Tyson Foods, Inc. agreed to settle a class action suit at the beginning of the year that claims the company falsely labeled their chicken products as “raised without antibiotics,” even though Tyson injected their eggs with the human-safe antibiotic Gentamicin to prevent illness and death in the newly hatched chicks. Tyson argued the label is technically true since the chickens are not “raised” until after hatching. A fairness hearing will be held May 7, 2010 to determine if the settlement will be approved.

If you purchased Tyson-branded chicken products labeled “Raised Without Antibiotics” or “Raised Without Antibiotics That Impact Antibiotic Resistance in Humans” between June 19, 2007 and April 30, 2009, you may be eligible for a cash claim or coupon if the class action settlement is approved. Consumers who have receipts may receive up to $50, while those without receipts may receive up to $10 or a coupon valued at $5 off the purchase of any Tyson product.

The deadline to file a claim is July 6, 2010. Visit http://topclassactions.com/open/547-tyson-foods-no-antibiotics-in-chicken-class-action-lawsuit-settlement for more information. 

Updated March 9th, 2010

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