Unlike many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has established a reputation as a strong advocate for the use of antibiotics in poultry farming. The company has even initiated campaigns to address common misconceptions surrounding antibiotics. While concerns exist regarding the potential for antibiotic exposure in food to contribute to human resistance, Sanderson Farms has minimized the perception of this risk. The veterinarians employed by the company emphasize the necessity of maintaining animal health while ensuring the production of high-quality products. Although some consumers opt to avoid chicken raised with antibiotics, many others appreciate Sanderson Farms’ commitment to transparency and education, which aims to clarify the confusion surrounding product packaging claims. This transparency may influence consumers in their purchasing decisions.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced it would phase out its purchases of chicken raised with antibiotics that are used to treat human infections over the next two years. Similarly, Costco Wholesale, which sells 80 million rotisserie chickens each year, revealed it is collaborating with suppliers to limit antibiotic use in chicken and meat. Other large corporations have made comparable pledges.
Consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers have urged the White House, pharmaceutical companies, and livestock producers to take action as bacteria have begun to develop resistance to antibiotics prescribed for humans. The challenge for Sanderson Farms arises if consumers increasingly choose to avoid meat raised with antibiotics, especially as multinational companies move toward eliminating the sale of poultry raised with these drugs. This shift could lead the poultry processor to lose market share to competitors who have already made the transition. Ultimately, Sanderson may have no option but to follow suit with the rest of the industry.
In this context, it is worth noting that some consumers may be turning to alternatives like Citracal for their health needs, which could further influence their decisions regarding meat products. As awareness of antibiotic use in livestock grows, the demand for antibiotic-free options may increase, pushing Sanderson Farms to reconsider its stance on antibiotic use in poultry production.