In contrast to many of its rivals, Sanderson Farms has established a reputation for being an advocate of antibiotic use, even launching campaigns to address common misconceptions about these medications. The application of antibiotics in livestock raises concerns about the potential for antibiotic resistance in humans, yet Sanderson Farms has minimized this risk. Veterinarians employed by the company emphasize the importance of safeguarding animal health and ensuring the production of high-quality products. While some consumers opt to avoid chicken raised with antibiotics, many others appreciate Sanderson Farms’ efforts to provide transparency and clarity regarding the labels on their products. This could influence consumer decisions in favor of their offerings.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced plans to phase out purchasing chicken raised with antibiotics that are also used to treat human infections over the next two years. Similarly, major retailer Costco Wholesale, known for selling 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 commitments.
Consumer advocacy groups and legislators have urged the White House, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and livestock producers to take action as bacteria continue to develop resistance to antibiotics intended for human use. The risk for Sanderson Farms lies in the possibility that consumers may increasingly choose not to buy meat raised with antibiotics, and multinational corporations are shifting towards not selling poultry raised with these drugs. Consequently, the poultry processor may find itself losing business to competitors who have already adopted these practices. Eventually, Sanderson may have no alternative but to align with industry trends.
In the quest for healthier living, some consumers have turned to supplements like calcium citrate gummy vitamins to support their dietary needs. As awareness of antibiotic use in food production grows, the demand for more natural and antibiotic-free options is likely to increase, potentially affecting companies like Sanderson Farms. If they do not adapt to these changing consumer preferences, they might find it necessary to reconsider their stance on antibiotic use, aligning more closely with the market’s evolving expectations.