Most companies treat social responsibility as an afterthought—something separate from their core business, a fraction of their profits spent on a cause for PR. But at New Anthoney’s, responsibility isn’t a campaign or a side project. It’s in the product itself.
New Anthoney’s Group is the only poultry producer in Sri Lanka to raise 100% antibiotic-free chickens—from feed to farm to final product. No antibiotics at any stage. Just healthier, naturally raised chickens that are safer for consumers, better for the planet, and the only truly responsible choice in poultry.
Why does this matter? Because antibiotic overuse in farming fuels antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global health crisis where bacteria evolve to withstand medication. Resistant bacteria can end up in your food, your gut, and the environment. In Sri Lanka, AMR-related deaths now surpass those from respiratory infections and tuberculosis. The stakes are high, and New Anthoney’s isn’t waiting for others to act.
Their commitment goes beyond just removing antibiotics. The company invests heavily in in-house expertise—nutritionists, veterinarians, and specialists—driving innovation in poultry nutrition, farm management, and food safety. It’s not just about compliance. It’s about leading the future of food.
How do you differentiate yourself from the rest of the industry?
We may be one of the few companies in Sri Lanka that understands and practices corporate social responsibility correctly. It is common for companies to spend a fraction of their profits on a social cause before claiming they have fulfilled their duty to the community, but we take a completely different path.
We can proudly say that we produce the safest chicken in Sri Lanka. Along with antibiotic-free production, we calculate and minimize greenhouse gas emissions every year and maintain animal welfare standards certified by the National Chicken Council, USA. We use biodegradable packaging, avoid artificial hormones, and have eliminated the risk of contamination with heavy metals. Only once safety and freshness are satisfied do we finally turn our eye to profits.
What compelled you to become antibiotic-free in poultry production?
The WHO estimates that nearly 10 million people will die every year by 2050 due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) if no action is taken. In simple terms, antibiotics are becoming less effective against infections.
A study published in The Lancet (2022) estimated that AMR was associated with 4.95 million deaths globally in 2019. Of these, 1.27 million deaths were directly caused by AMR. The Review on Antimicrobial Resistance (2016), commissioned by the UK government and led by Jim O’Neill, projected that by 2050, AMR could cost the global economy up to $100 trillion cumulatively, with annual GDP losses of around $5 trillion if no action is taken.
This prompted us to do our duty by the country and to be proactive by avoiding the use of antibiotics in our broiler production.
What were the challenges in going antibiotic-free, and how did you mitigate them?
The main challenge has been the antibiotic industry. They try to undermine our effort in different ways, such as by promoting the misconception that a broiler chicken raised with antibiotics is healthier than one raised without antibiotics. But we believe consumers and the food industry are smart enough to sort truth from fiction.
In more direct terms, we have to be extremely selective with the raw materials we use for feed; produce healthy broiler day-old chicks; maintain high biosecurity standards in our farms; identify and administer the correct regimen of prebiotics, probiotics, and acetifiers, and so on. To be frank, antibiotic-free production is a high-cost operation. We make every effort to control the cost and minimize the impact on the price.
Some argue that chicken raised without antibiotics might be less healthy or more challenging to farm. What’s your response to that?
This is an example of the antibiotic industry’s misinformation campaigns. Antibiotics are not used to make us healthy, as with food or vitamins; they are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. This implies the poultry is often sick or so prone to sickness that it requires an abundance of antibiotics to control.
New Anthoney’s instead controls bacterial infections via specialized farming practices and biosecurity measures. Our poultry is monitored and provided an environment that leaves them less vulnerable to sickness. No antibiotics used means no antimicrobial resistance and no potential impact on the consumer’s health.
Can you give us a brief overview of the company’s journey and key milestones?
New Anthoney’s Group began in 1986 with a vision to provide safe, high-quality, and ethically produced chicken to Sri Lankan households. Over the years, it has grown into one of the country’s most trusted poultry brands, overcoming challenges such as shifting consumer expectations, food safety concerns, and economic instability. Despite these hurdles, the company has remained committed to innovation, sustainability, and high food standards.
A significant milestone was the launch of HarithaHari, Sri Lanka’s first 100% antibiotic-free chicken range, offering a healthier alternative to conventional poultry. The company’s dedication to excellence is reflected in its industry certifications and accolades, including ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, HACCP, GMP, and Halal certifications, ensuring top-tier food safety and quality.
With numerous national and international awards, New Anthoney’s continues to set the standard for responsible poultry farming, making healthier and safer food choices accessible to all.
What’s next for New Anthoney’s?
We will continue to explore this path. Ultimately, we assure consumers that our focus will always be to produce the safest and freshest chicken on the market.
Antibiotic-free farming is not just about removing antibiotics—it’s about a complete shift in farm management towards sustainability and responsible agriculture. It takes effort, expertise, and investment, but it’s the right path for healthier poultry, a safer food system, and a better future for us al