Chick-fil-A made a major change to its chicken, fans are noticing

24 Dec 2025, 15:54 · The Fresno Bee

In addition to its beloved waffle fries and signature sauce, Chick-fil-A has long built a reputation around its chicken.

As the foundation of nearly every menu item, the quality of its chicken has been central to the brand's identity, which is why a recent change has sparked controversy and concern among some once-loyal customers.

In spring 2024, Chick-fil-A transitioned from serving No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) chicken to Antibiotics Important to Human Medicine (NAIHM) chicken across all its U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada restaurants, according to a company announcement.

Under the NAIHM standard, chickens may receive animal-specific antibiotics if they become ill, while antibiotics meant for human medicine remain restricted.

The decision was driven by supply-chain challenges and the need to maintain consistent quality across all Chick-fil-A locations, as the strict requirements of NAE chicken make the chain more prone to shortages if supply falls short of demand.

The company shared the update through a press release posted on its website, leaving many customers unaware of the changes unless they actively sought out the information.

Some reacted with distrust, sharing their thoughts on social media and even linking Chick-fil-A's new chicken to digestive issues.

Chick-fil-A's change to NAIHM chicken sparks controversy on social media.

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Social media claims and reported stomach issues

In recent months, videos and posts have circulated across social media platforms, claiming that Chick-fil-A's chicken now feels "heavier, harsher, and harder to digest" than it used to.

Some customers report stomach discomfort after eating at the chain, while others have more extreme theories, including claims of lab-grown meat.

One Chick-fil-A customer shared their experience on X (formerly Twitter), writing: "I stopped eating at Chick-fil-A after noticing the food was just harder to digest. It's hard to explain, but I just felt the food sat in my stomach, and my stomach didn't know what to do with it. It was very strange. I refused to eat there."

Another user posted on X that they hadn't noticed a problem until reading similar posts online: "I read on here that Chick-fil-A chicken has been affecting people's stomachs after eating it due to a possible change in their chicken. I never paid attention until today. I had it last night, and now my stomach doesn't feel right. Let's just say I won't be eating there again."

Despite these reactions, there's no evidence linking the change in chicken to digestive issues. Chick-fil-A continues to serve real chicken, and claims of lab-grown meat remain unfounded.

"The complaints feel real to people experiencing them, but timing doesn't equal blame, said Newsbreak in regards to the claims. "Food sensitivities develop constantly, and confirmation bias runs strong when something changes."

More Chick-fil-A News:

Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist Wendi Irlbeck posted the nutritional information in a Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich on X: "Common sense would tell you you're unlikely to feel good after consumption. Cook at home and you'll not only feel great but save money and be healthier!"

Physical Therapist Dr. Ribu Thomas also urged consumers to consider broader factors, posting: "There are many more factors to consider than just Chick-fil-A (gut health, etc.). First question: Why keep eating it for months if it wrecks your stomach?"

What to know about NAIHM chicken and potential health concerns

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) verifies that NAIHM chicken suppliers meet strict standards to ensure food safety and prevent foodborne illness. From a regulatory standpoint, the chicken remains safe to consume.

However, some nutrition experts caution that the widespread use of antibiotics in livestock can have broader public health consequences.

"This decision might not just affect them but could encourage a shift in the entire industry away from prioritizing the well-being of animals and the health of consumers," said Nutritionist GQ Jordan to Healthline.

Other experts shared similar concerns, emphasizing Chick-fil-A's influence within the food service industry.

"You take [Chick-fil-A] out of the game and it affects all of the players on the field," Northeastern University College of Professional Studies Professor Darin Detwiler told Health.

"If a company as big as Chick-fil-A is going to [relax antibiotic standards], then what's stopping smaller teams, or lesser players in the landscape from saying, 'Well, if they're going to do that, then we're doing it, too.'"

Jordan added that the use of antibiotics in livestock production can have significantly negative long-term consequences for both animal and human health, especially the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These bacteria can survive exposure to antibiotics, making infections in humans increasingly difficult to treat.

"People don't ever become resistant to antibiotics," George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health Professor Lance Price told Health. "The more you use [antibiotics], the more [likely] that the bacteria will become resistant to those antibiotics, which can spread to people and cause drug-resistant infections."

Other food companies changing antibiotic standards

Chick-fil-A is not alone in reevaluating its antibiotic policies. Several major food brands have made similar shifts over the last few years:

Tyson Foods: Removed "No Antibiotics Ever" label from some chicken products in 2023 (Source:Reuters)
Panera Bread: Updated its responsibility standards in 2023, removing labels such as "No Antibiotics Ever," "Vegetarian Fed," "Grass Fed Pasture Raised," and "Animal Welfare" (Source:Panera Bread)
Subway: Transitioned from "no antibiotics ever" to a "Responsible Use of Antibiotics Policy" that aligns with WHO and FDA guidelines in 2024 (Source:Feed Them Wisely)

As antibiotic standards continue to evolve across the food industry, Chick-fil-A's decision underscores the challenges of balancing supply chain realities, consumer expectations, and public trust.

Despite controversy, Chick-fil-A generated over $9 billion in total revenue in 2024, representing a nearly 14% increase from the previous year, and achieved $22.7 billion in system-wide sales, which have been steadily rising year over year, according to QSR Magazine.

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This story was originally published December 24, 2025 at 7:54 AM.