KFC says it plans to stop serving chicken given antibiotics important to human health.

The fried chicken chain says the change will be completed by the end of next year at all its U.S. restaurants. Other fast-food companies have made similar pledges, including McDonald’s Corp. 

Meat producers give animals antibiotics to make them grow faster and prevent illness, a practice that has become a public health issue. Officials say it can lead to germs becoming resistant to drugs, making antibiotics no longer effective in treating some illnesses in humans.

KFC, owned by Louisville, Kentucky-based Yum Brands Inc., has more than 4,000 restaurants in the U.S.
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