Across the world, from the United States and Canada to the Netherlands, Thailand, and even India, poultry producers are moving towards antibiotic-free farming—but not all are going all the way. While many have reduced antibiotic use, few can claim what New Anthoney’s Group in Sri Lanka has achieved, and that is 100% antibiotic-free poultry, from start to finish.
No antibiotics in the feed, no antibiotics on the farm, and no antibiotics in the final product. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick—it’s a complete rethinking of how chicken is raised, ensuring a healthier, safer choice for consumers.
Why does this matter to you? Because the overuse of antibiotics in farming has a direct impact on human health. When chickens are routinely given antibiotics, resistant bacteria can develop and make their way into your food, your gut, and ultimately, the wider environment. This means when you or your family get sick, common antibiotics may not work as well anymore. By choosing antibiotic-free chicken, you’re not just making a better food choice—you’re protecting your health and the health of future generations.
But is antibiotic-free chicken just as good? The answer is yes—if not better. Chickens raised without antibiotics grow naturally, are healthier, and are fed a high-quality diet designed to keep them strong without medication. The result? Cleaner, safer, and more nutritious chicken on your plate, without any hidden risks. Plus, antibiotic-free farming is better for the environment, reducing the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in soil and water, making it a win for both people and the planet.
New Anthoney’s Group is leading the way as Sri Lanka’s first and only poultry producer to raise chickens completely free of antibiotics. In a world where food safety and health risks are increasing, this bold move sets a new benchmark—not just for Sri Lanka, but for the entire region.
In recent years, Sri Lanka’s poultry industry has faced significant challenges due to the escalating issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A study by Gunathilaka et al. (2024) revealed alarming levels of resistance among avian pathogenic Escherichia coli isolates, with 100% resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and clavulanate amoxicillin, and over 91% resistance to ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to both animal and human health globally. In Sri Lanka, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in poultry farming have contributed to the emergence of resistant bacterial strains. The study by Gunathilaka et al. highlighted that isolates from medium-scale commercial farms in Colombo, Kandy, and Kurunegala exhibited concurrent resistance to first-line antibiotics used in both human and veterinary medicine. This resistance compromises the effectiveness of treatments and poses a risk of transferring resistant bacteria to humans through the food chain.
The excessive use of antibiotics, particularly as growth promoters, has been identified as a key factor in the development of AMR. Despite Sri Lanka’s ban on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in 2018, the persistence of high resistance rates suggests ongoing misuse of therapeutic antibiotics. Farmers often resort to antibiotics like ciprofloxacin due to their broad-spectrum activity and over-the-counter availability, leading to mass administration and subtherapeutic exposure that fosters resistance.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite the progress made in sustainable and antibiotic-free poultry production, the journey is not without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles remains consumer awareness and education. While global markets are increasingly shifting towards antibiotic-free meat, local consumers in Sri Lanka may still need more education on the benefits of antibiotic-free poultry and the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Raising awareness through marketing, advocacy, and partnerships with health organizations will be crucial in driving consumer preference toward safer, healthier choices.
Another significant challenge is cost and affordability. Antibiotic-free poultry production requires stringent biosecurity measures, high-quality feed, and alternative health management strategies such as probiotics and essential oils. These methods can be costlier compared to conventional practices, making antibiotic-free chicken slightly more expensive. Bridging the gap between premium pricing and mass consumer affordability will be key to making sustainable poultry more accessible.
Scaling up antibiotic-free production while maintaining stringent quality standards is another crucial factor. As demand grows, ensuring that sustainable practices are upheld across all farms and production facilities will require continued investments in training, compliance, and research. New Anthoney’s Group, however, is well-positioned to tackle this challenge, given its certifications, strategic investments in innovation, and global partnerships for sustainable sourcing.
Looking ahead, the future of antibiotic-free poultry in Sri Lanka appears promising. With increasing global demand for sustainable and high-quality protein, New Anthoney’s Group has the opportunity to expand its footprint in export markets while setting new industry benchmarks locally. The company’s commitment to carbon footprint reduction, sustainable feed sourcing, and eco-friendly packaging positions it as a pioneer in responsible agribusiness.
To further strengthen the movement against AMR, industry-wide collaboration is essential. Policymakers, farmers, researchers, and food producers must work together to implement stricter regulations, promote sustainable alternatives, and encourage responsible antibiotic use. By leading this transformation, New Anthoney’s Group is not only ensuring healthier poultry for consumers but also safeguarding public health and the future of sustainable farming in Sri Lanka.
Pioneering Sustainable and Antibiotic-Free Poultry Production
The group has implemented a strict antibiotic-free policy, eliminating the use of antibiotics at all stages of poultry production. This approach not only addresses the AMR challenge but also ensures healthier poultry products for consumers. By focusing on preventive measures such as enhanced biosecurity, vaccination programs, and natural alternatives, the company maintains flock health without relying on antibiotics.
Recognizing the environmental impact of feed sourcing, the company became the first in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa to adopt the “Sustainable U.S. Soy” label, reflecting its commitment to sourcing sustainably produced soy for poultry feed. This certification, granted by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), ensures that the soy used adheres to stringent environmental and social criteria, including biodiversity conservation and sustainable farming practices.
Beyond production practices, New Anthoney’s addresses environmental concerns through innovative packaging solutions. The company transitioned to 100 percent compostable packaging under its “HarithaHari” chicken range, utilizing renewable plant-based materials. This initiative positions New Anthoney’s as the first poultry producer in Sri Lanka to embrace biodegradable packaging, significantly reducing plastic waste and environmental pollution.
Demonstrating a commitment to mitigating climate change, New Anthoney’s has taken proactive measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The company received the Greenhouse Gas Verification Statement from Control Union Netherlands under ISO 14064-1:2018 standards, making it the only poultry company in Sri Lanka to achieve this recognition. This verification underscores the company’s dedication to environmental responsibility and sustainable operations.
The company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and quality has garnered significant industry recognition. New Anthoney’s Farms was awarded the “Best Exporter” in the Processed Food Category at the 26th Presidential Export Awards, presented by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB). This prestigious honor acknowledges the company’s impact in global markets and its role in strengthening the country’s economy through ethical food production.
Consumers have responded positively to New Anthoney’s antibiotic-free and sustainable products, reflecting a growing demand for ethically produced food. The company’s focus on transparency, quality, and environmental stewardship has built a loyal customer base that values health-conscious and eco-friendly choices.
Advocacy and Education on Antimicrobial Resistance
Beyond its operational initiatives, New Anthoney’s Group actively engages in advocacy and education to combat AMR. In conjunction with the World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), the company signed an official pledge to reaffirm its commitment to an antibiotic-free poultry industry in Sri Lanka. This pledge underscores the company’s dedication to public health and its role in raising awareness about the dangers of antimicrobial resistance.
Furthermore, New Anthoney’s Groups has implemented awareness programs targeting small and medium-sized farmers. These initiatives focus on the correct use of antibiotics, the importance of biosecurity, and the availability of alternatives to control diseases. By sharing best practices and knowledge, the company contributes to a broader industry shift toward responsible antibiotic use and sustainable farming methods.
