Certified Responsible Antibiotic Use (CRAU) 

Poultry that supports health from farm to fork

The Certified Responsible Antibiotic Use (CRAU) standard was developed by School Food Focus in 2015 to minimize the use of antibiotics in poultry production, and offer schools a viable way to put a better poultry on the menu. ARAC staff has worked closely with School Food Focus over the years to help ensure the CRAU standard is rooted in the latest scientific developments. In 2017, School Food Focus transferred management of the standard to ARAC. 

CRAU is the first responsible use standard certified by USDA that allows for minimal use of medically important antibiotics in poultry production, and only those prescribed by a licensed veterinarian. Verification by USDA, a government agency accountable to Congress and the public, is essential to ensuring the integrity of CRAU. Poultry companies interested in meeting CRAU must undergo regular USDA audits to verify conformance.

CRAU Standard
Read details on the CRAU standard. Download

CRAU Programs
See the official USDA listing of CRAU programs. Download

Audit Materials
The following resources provide additional background on the accreditation process.
USDA AMS Auditing for CRAU
CRAU Auditor Guide
CRAU Audit Checklist

A Better Chicken
Read about how our partner School Food Focus is working with schools, food producers, government and other partners to put a better chicken on kids’ school plates. Read More