In-N-Out Commits to Big Change for Burgers

In-N-Out representatives have announced a major move that will change the way its hamburgers are produced in the future.

In an emailed interview with the news agency Reuters, In-N-Out's vice president of quality recently said the business is working to "accelerate" a means to an end of using beef which has been treated with antibiotics.

"Our company is committed to beef that is not raised with antibiotics important to human medicine and we've asked our suppliers to accelerate their progress towards establishing antibiotic alternatives," Keith Brazeau said.

The move comes after increasing pressure from activists to use only grass-fed beef. A campaign from CALPIRG Education Fund and Friends of the Earth has been targeting the burger joint in recent weeks, and appears to have paid off.

“We’re thrilled that In-N-Out is responding so quickly to consumer demand,” Jason Pfeifle, a public health advocate with CALPIRG Education Fund said in a news release Tuesday. “If In-N-Out follows through on these commitments, it will be an important win for public health.”

“In-N-Out Burger's recent statement is an important step forward,” Kari Hamerschlag, a senior program manager at Friends of the Earth, said in the same release. “Now, the company needs to provide the public with a timeline showing that it’s serious about eliminating everyday use of antibiotics in meat production,” Hamerschlag said.

Arguably one of California's most well-known burger joints, In-N-Out has established a cult following since it first opened in Baldwin Park in 1948. Its 'secret' menu and fresh ingredients have patrons lining up around the building at peak hours in many locations on a daily basis.

Thousands of comments have been posed to In-N-Out's Facebook page on the topic of antibiotics, many urging the company to stop the use of treated beef.

"Phase out the routine use of antibiotics and growth hormones across all of their meat supply chains," Katie Gteam writes. "Require suppliers to improve management practices and conditions for animals in their facilities, reducing the need for routine use of these drugs. Provide a more healthful and sustainable grass-fed option on the menu."

What do YOU think? Should In-N-Out make the change? Tell us in the comments/

(Patch file photo by Guy McCarthy)