Source:Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE, 7/20/16

Papa Murphy's Holdings Inc. announced that beginning Monday all of its more than 1,500 stores nationwide serve chicken raised without antibiotics, a first for a national pizza chain, the company said.

"Introducing chicken raised without antibiotics to our menu is a natural step for our brand, and we are excited to offer customers delicious, vegetarian-fed chicken that they can feel good about serving their families," said Brandon Solano, chief marketing officer of Papa Murphy's, in a news release.

The chain is celebrating the milestone by offering the Papa Murphy's Chicken Bacon Artichoke Gourmet Delite pizza online for only $9 through Aug. 14.

Papa Murphy’s said that it is also making a commitment to remove artificial flavors and colors from its menu by 2017. The company is currently working to eliminate palm oil and high fructose corn syrup from menu items, a move that will be complete by this fall. The company notes that its menu does not include monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Vancouver, Wash.-based Papa Murphy's operates more than 1,500 franchised and corporate-owned fresh pizza stores in 38 States, Canada and United Arab Emirates.

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