You may have heard lots of terms used to describe the use of antibiotics while raising poultry.
The USDA, which regulates such terminology, has long ago settled on No Antibiotics Ever as the official term.
It says everything you need to know! At no time has the poultry — like turkey or chicken — ever been given antibiotics while being raised.
Period!
Only birds raised in this manner can be labeled No Antibiotics Ever.
Some confusion happens because all poultry raised under USDA guidelines are, technically, free of antibiotics upon being processed for human consumption.
Why?
Because birds that have been treated with antibiotics must go through a relatively long withdrawal period during which no more antibiotics can be given before the poultry is processed. This withdrawal period gives the poultry’s system time to naturally eliminate any signs of antibiotics.