Vaccines in your beef? Costco supplier Harris Ranch sparks consumer backlash over animal vaccination practices

By willowt // 2025-02-12

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Harris Ranch, Costco's beef supplier, is facing backlash for admitting to vaccinating its cattle, raising concerns about food safety and transparency among consumers.
Critics, like Tom Renz, argue that vaccines, especially mRNA-based ones, in food are misleading and harmful, even though Harris Ranch uses conventional vaccines.
Harris Ranch defends its vaccination protocols as part of its commitment to animal welfare and disease prevention, working with animal welfare expert Dr. Temple Grandin to ensure humane treatment.
The article clarifies the difference between conventional and mRNA vaccines used in cattle, emphasizing that mRNA vaccines are not currently approved for use in beef cattle in the United States.
The controversy highlights the growing importance of trust and transparency in the food industry, as consumers demand clear labeling and information about their food choices.

In an era where consumers are increasingly vigilant about what goes into their food, Costco’s beef supplier, Harris Ranch, has ignited a firestorm of controversy by openly admitting to vaccinating its cattle. While the company touts its commitment to animal welfare and sustainable practices, the revelation has left some consumers questioning the safety and transparency of their food supply. For many, the idea of vaccines in their beef is not just unsettling — it’s a dealbreaker.

The backlash: vaccines in food?

The debate over vaccines in livestock is not new, but it has taken on a new urgency in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of mRNA vaccine technology. Critics like Tom Renz, a prominent advocate for natural health and consumer transparency, have voiced strong opposition to the practice. “This is a big deal for me,” Renz tweeted. “My family uses Costco a lot, and the fact that they are poisoning their ‘organic’ beef with ‘vaccines’ is both misleading and horrific.” Renz’s concerns are echoed by a growing number of consumers who are wary of vaccines in their food, particularly those involving mRNA technology. While Harris Ranch has clarified that it uses conventional vaccines — not mRNA-based ones — the distinction has done little to assuage fears. For many, the mere presence of vaccines in their food is enough to raise red flags.

Harris Ranch’s defense: Animal welfare and food safety

Harris Ranch, a California-based beef producer, has long prided itself on its commitment to animal welfare and sustainable farming practices. In a 2019 statement, the company outlined its approach to raising cattle, emphasizing humane treatment, disease prevention and high-quality beef production. “We ensure humane handling because Harris Ranch controls all aspects of production—from where and how our cattle are raised through feeding, processing and distribution,” the statement reads. The company’s vaccination protocols are part of a broader strategy to minimize disease and reduce the need for antibiotics. Most beef producers do use at least some vaccines. “Vaccination protocols to prevent common bovine diseases, supplementation with minerals to support a strong immune system, and low-stress cattle handling can help accomplish this goal,” the statement explains. Harris Ranch also works with Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned animal welfare expert, to design facilities and practices that prioritize the well-being of its cattle. Despite these assurances, the revelation that Harris Ranch vaccinates its cattle has left some consumers feeling betrayed. For those who prioritize organic and natural foods, the idea of vaccines in their beef is at odds with their values. “If you care enough to buy organic, wouldn’t you want to know if the food you are paying extra for is laden with gene therapy poisons?” Renz asked in his tweet.

The science behind livestock vaccines

To understand the controversy, it’s important to distinguish between conventional vaccines and mRNA vaccines. According to Dr. Lew Strickland, an Associate Professor and Extension Livestock Veterinarian, conventional vaccines for cattle fall into two categories: modified-live virus (MLV) vaccines and killed vaccines. MLV vaccines contain a weakened form of a live virus, while killed vaccines contain an inactivated virus. Both types are designed to stimulate an immune response without causing disease. mRNA vaccines, on the other hand, are a newer technology that uses genetic material to instruct cells to produce a protein that triggers an immune response. While mRNA vaccines have been widely used in humans during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are not currently approved for use in cattle. “There are no current mRNA vaccines licensed for use in beef cattle in the United States,” Strickland clarified in a post. “Cattle farmers and ranchers do vaccinate cattle to treat and prevent many diseases, but presently none of these vaccines include mRNA technology.” That may have been true at the time, but scientists have been working on them in the time since.

Historical context: Vaccines and food safety

The use of vaccines in livestock dates back to the early 20th century, when diseases like foot-and-mouth disease and brucellosis threatened both animal and human health. Vaccines have since become a cornerstone of modern agriculture, helping to prevent outbreaks and ensure a stable food supply. However, the rise of organic and natural food movements has led to increased scrutiny of these practices. For some consumers, the issue is not just about safety — it’s about transparency. “Will Costco label their ‘organic’ food that has been exposed to gene therapy poisons so consumers can decide whether to eat it or not?” Renz asked. While Harris Ranch has clarified that it does not use mRNA vaccines, the lack of clear labeling has left many feeling in the dark.

The road ahead: Trust and transparency

As the debate over vaccines in food continues, one thing is clear: trust and transparency are more important than ever. For companies like Harris Ranch and retailers like Costco, the challenge will be to balance the need for disease prevention with the growing demand for natural and organic foods. For consumers, the challenge will be to navigate an increasingly complex food system with confidence and clarity. In the meantime, the controversy serves as a reminder that the choices we make about our food are deeply personal—and that the conversation about what’s on our plates is far from over. Whether you’re a staunch advocate for natural health or a proponent of modern agriculture, one thing is certain: the debate over vaccines in food is here to stay. Sources include: X.com HarrisRanchBeef.com utbeef.tennessee.edu