Medicines are used in agriculture to treat, control or prevent disease and to improve production or growth. Medicines are also important to protect animal welfare. Antimicrobials, one of the medical miracles of the 20th century, are becoming less effective due to the development of widespread Antimicrobial resistance or AMR. Research suggests that the use of antibiotics in agriculture contributes significantly to antibiotic resistant organisms in humans. A reduction in the use of antibiotics is required to slow the impact of antimicrobial resistance.

Consumers are also becoming more aware of these challenges, with some 72% indicating concern over antibiotics and every year, more and more people are seeking this option. As a result of these concerns, Maple Leaf is taking action to provide antibiotic free meat for those customers and consumers that are seeking this option.

At Maple Leaf, RWA hogs are owned and segregated from birth to slaughter across a multi-site growing system. 12,000 hogs per week move through our extensive gestation crate free environment.

Maple Leaf manages each phase of the Supply Chain. Full on-farm audits by 3rd party auditors are completed every year across each of our facilities. Each pig is documented and tracked throughout the process and includes detailed information such as feed types, weights, tattoo numbers and slaughter dates. This program is approved by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to ensure compliance is achieved.