UPDATE 1-Tyson withdraws raised without antibiotics labels

LOS ANGELES, June 2 (Reuters) - Tyson Foods Inc (TSN.N) said on Monday it was voluntarily withdrawing its labels for chicken raised without antibiotics due to what it called "uncertainty and controversy over product labeling regulations."

The company said it had also asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to consider beginning a public process for more clarity and consistency in labeling and advertising rules for product claims.

The second-largest U.S. chicken producer was informed by the USDA last May that it could use the "raised without antibiotics" label, only to have the department reverse that decision last fall.

At issue was a type of animal medication called ionophores, which are commonly added to poultry feed to help prevent an intestinal illness in chickens called coccidiosis.

Tyson said on Monday it would switch to a new label with no antibiotic claim.

"We believe there needs to be more specific labeling and advertising protocols developed to ensure the rules are clear and application of the rules is equitable," said Dave Hogberg, senior vice president of consumer products at Tyson. (Reporting by Alexandria Sage; Editing by Braden Reddall)