The health of our poultry and livestock depends on proper nutrition, which is why we rely on our expert team of Ph.D. nutritionists to formulate diets specific to our animals' needs. We make our own feed in company-owned and contracted feed mills using proprietary mixtures. We also provide our Pilgrim’s vegetarian-fed poultry with an all vegetable-based diet. Hormones are not used in chicken or hog production in the U.S., the U.K., or Mexico.

Our animals receive constant care and proper vaccine protocol from licensed veterinarians who comply with relevant government regulations. Pilgrim’s facilities have a unique, dynamic health plan developed in collaboration with our veterinarians, which includes management specifications, vaccination schedules, health monitoring and treatment, and measures to prevent disease transmission. Pilgrim’s does not perform physical alterations on broiler chickens and only purchases roosters and breeders from breeding companies with stress-reducing protocols. Pilgrim's Europe Pork prohibits routine tail docking and castration and conducts research to advance animal welfare, such as investigating pig behavior and tail biting.

Pilgrim's facilities have thorough biosecurity programs in place to prevent the introduction of infectious diseases to our poultry and livestock. Our protocol addresses all aspects of our facilities, including feed operations, transportation, health management, and visitors. Team members and family farm partners are trained according to our protocols, and all visitors and vendors must be prescreened and approved before arrival. Sign-in logs are also maintained at all locations.

Pilgrim's only uses antibiotics under veterinary supervision. Our antibiotic policy includes written veterinary permission, diligent record-keeping and tracking of all antibiotic use, and training programs for team members. National regulations govern all antibiotic use, and any medication used is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or U.K. Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) licensed.

In the U.S., Pilgrim's is fully compliant with FDA Guidance 209 and 213 Veterinary Feed Directive rule, and antibiotic use is under strict veterinary guidance. Pilgrim's Mexico and Europe also have strict antibiotic policies and record-keeping requirements. Pilgrims Europe has dedicated antibiotic policies in place for each species (poultry, pork, and lamb) that govern the use of antibiotics. Antibiotic use is under strict veterinary guidance and in accordance with UK legislation. In 2011, Pilgrim Europe established an Antibiotics Stewardship Forum made up of a multidisciplinary team and supported by veterinary specialists and independent academic experts who provide advice and guidance on responsible use of antibiotics. The forum is guided by the latest scientific evidence and where no evidence is available, we strive to gather this evidence through our own research and development projects. Pilgrims Europe is a member of the Food Industry Initiative on Antimicrobials (FIIA) and observes the current European Medicines Agency (EMA) Antimicrobial Advice ad hoc Expert Group (AMEG) categorization of antibiotics.

We seek to reduce antibiotic use through research and improved management with alternatives to antibiotics. However, antibiotics and ionophores remain necessary for disease treatment and prevention. Our veterinary and nutrition teams will work with alternative compound producers, universities, and researchers to stay at the forefront of innovation.

We only raise and source livestock and poultry that have not been cloned, genetically modified, or engineered. We are also aware that scientific developments which may benefit the health and well-being of livestock and poultry are ongoing and we will continue to review these in partnership with our customers. For more information on the animal welfare requirements for our suppliers, please visit Supplier Relations.