New Anthoney’s takes on antimicrobial resistance by promoting an antibiotic-free poultry production model, positioning itself at the forefront of safer food production as global concerns over antimicrobial resistance continue to intensify.
New Anthoney’s takes on antimicrobial resistance with antibiotic-free poultry model
Sri Lanka consumes approximately 258,000 metric tonnes of chicken each year, according to the Department of Animal Production and Health, with demand continuing to rise as consumers seek affordable sources of protein. While poultry remains one of the country’s most popular meats, experts warn that the routine use of antibiotics in commercial farming has become a growing public health concern.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the greatest threats to global health. AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites evolve to resist medicines designed to eliminate them, making infections increasingly difficult to treat. According to the WHO, resistant bacterial infections directly caused around 1.27 million deaths globally in 2019, while AMR contributed to an estimated 4.95 million deaths. Without coordinated action, annual deaths linked to AMR could reach 10 million by 2050.
One of the major contributors to this challenge is the excessive use of antibiotics in livestock production. In many poultry operations worldwide, antibiotics are administered not only to treat disease but also to promote faster growth and compensate for inadequate biosecurity measures. This practice can accelerate the development of drug-resistant bacteria that may spread through food products, water systems and the wider environment.
Against this backdrop, New Anthoney’s takes on antimicrobial resistance through a production philosophy centred on antibiotic-free poultry rather than routine antimicrobial use. The company has spent years developing production standards that rely on strict biosecurity protocols and responsible farm management instead of antibiotics as a preventive measure.
Its flagship Harithahari chicken range is certified antibiotic-free, offering consumers an alternative that prioritises food safety while supporting responsible farming practices. Rather than treating antibiotic-free production as a marketing claim, the company positions it as a long-term commitment to public health, animal welfare and sustainable commercial operations.
Scientific evidence continues to reinforce the importance of reducing antibiotic use in poultry farming. A study published in the Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal found that 98% of commercial poultry farms surveyed in the Kurunegala District used at least one antimicrobial drug. Enrofloxacin, amoxicillin and tetracycline were among the most commonly used antibiotics, while laboratory analysis revealed high resistance rates, including 81.8% resistance to tetracycline and 31.8% resistance to fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin.
Health experts caution that resistant bacteria originating in livestock can enter the food chain, creating broader public health risks. As resistance develops, antibiotics that are essential for treating serious human infections gradually lose their effectiveness, making disease management increasingly challenging.
To strengthen the scientific foundation of its production standards, New Anthoney’s entered into a memorandum of understanding with the University of Peradeniya. The collaboration supports research and reinforces the credibility of the company’s antibiotic-free production methods through academic engagement and independent expertise.
The company is also preparing for future export opportunities. Many international markets, particularly within the European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, are tightening food safety regulations and increasingly require antibiotic-free poultry certification. By establishing these standards early, New Anthoney’s aims to position itself competitively as Sri Lanka expands its value-added agricultural exports.
Beyond production, the company has invested in awareness programmes for employees, industry stakeholders and consumers. Staff training at its Hanwella facilities focuses on responsible farming practices, the science behind antimicrobial resistance, and maintaining stringent production protocols throughout the supply chain.
The company believes responsible antibiotic use should extend beyond healthcare into agriculture, arguing that preserving the effectiveness of life-saving medicines requires collective action across industries. Its public engagement initiatives seek to increase understanding of how food production practices can influence long-term public health outcomes.
Sri Lanka adopted a National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance in 2017, in line with the WHO Global Action Plan, which encourages governments and industries to reduce unnecessary antimicrobial use across healthcare, agriculture and food production. While implementation continues across multiple sectors, industry-led initiatives remain essential in supporting national objectives.
New Anthoney’s takes on antimicrobial resistance by demonstrating that antibiotic-free poultry production can be commercially viable while meeting evolving consumer expectations, strengthening food safety standards and supporting Sri Lanka’s ambitions to develop internationally competitive agricultural exports.