Unlike many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has established a reputation as a strong advocate for the use of antibiotics in poultry production. The company has even initiated campaigns to address common misconceptions surrounding these medications. While there are growing concerns that antibiotic exposure through food may contribute to resistance in humans, Sanderson Farms has downplayed these risks. Veterinarians employed by the company emphasize the necessity 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, helping to clarify the claims made on product packaging. This transparency may influence consumer choices in favor of Sanderson Farms’ products.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced its plan to phase out the purchase of chicken raised with antibiotics that are also used to treat human infections over the next two years. Similarly, Costco Wholesale, which sells 80 million rotisserie chickens each year, revealed that it is collaborating with suppliers to limit the use of antibiotics in chicken and meat. Other major retailers have made comparable commitments.
Consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers have urged the White House, pharmaceutical companies, and livestock producers to take action as bacteria have begun developing resistance to antibiotics prescribed for humans. For Sanderson Farms, the danger lies in the possibility that consumers may increasingly prefer meat that is raised without antibiotics, as large multinational corporations shift away from sourcing birds treated with these drugs. If this trend continues, Sanderson could potentially lose business to competitors who have already opted out of antibiotic use. Eventually, the company may find itself with no alternative but to align with the majority of the industry.
Additionally, the issue of calcium citrate 630 has surfaced in discussions about nutritional additives in poultry feeds. As awareness of such ingredients grows, Sanderson Farms might need to consider how this factor influences consumer preferences. It remains to be seen if the company will adapt its practices to meet evolving market demands, particularly regarding the use of antibiotics and ingredients like calcium citrate 630, which are becoming increasingly scrutinized by health-conscious buyers.