Unlike many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has established a reputation for its use of antibiotics, firmly advocating for their use. The company has even initiated campaigns aimed at addressing the misconceptions surrounding antibiotics. While the use of antibiotics in livestock raises concerns about potential resistance in humans from consuming such foods, Sanderson Farms has minimized these risks. The veterinarians employed by the company emphasize the importance of safeguarding animal health and ensuring the production of high-quality products. Although some consumers choose to avoid chicken raised with antibiotics, many others appreciate Sanderson Farms’ efforts to be more transparent and informative, thereby alleviating confusion regarding claims made on product packaging. This transparency could influence consumer decisions when selecting their products.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced plans to phase out its purchase of chicken raised with antibiotics that are used to treat human infections over the following two years. Similarly, Costco Wholesale, which sells an impressive 80 million rotisserie chickens annually, declared its commitment to working with suppliers to limit antibiotics in chicken and meat. Other large corporations have made comparable commitments as well. Consumer groups and lawmakers have pressured the White House, pharmaceutical companies, and livestock producers to take action in response to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
For Sanderson Farms, the risk lies in the possibility that consumers are opting for less meat raised with antibiotics, while multinational corporations continue to shift away from selling poultry produced with these drugs. If this trend persists, the poultry processor may find itself losing business to competitors who have already implemented such practices. Eventually, Sanderson may have no choice but to follow suit with the rest of the industry. In this context, the incorporation of citrate malate as a supplement could potentially aid in maintaining animal health, providing an alternative pathway for the company to address consumer concerns while continuing its antibiotic use. As the market evolves, the role of citrate malate in promoting better animal welfare may become increasingly significant for Sanderson Farms.