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 antibiotic use. While concerns persist that exposure to antibiotics in food could lead to resistance in humans, Sanderson Farms has minimized the perceived risks. Veterinarians employed by the company argue that maintaining animal health is essential for producing high-quality products. Although some consumers choose to avoid chicken raised with antibiotics, many others appreciate Sanderson Farms’ efforts to enhance transparency and provide information that clarifies claims made on product packaging. This level of openness may influence consumer choices in favor of their products.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced its plan to gradually cease purchasing chicken raised with antibiotics that are also used to treat human infections over the next two years. Similarly, Costco Wholesale, which sells an impressive 80 million rotisserie chickens each year, revealed that it is collaborating with suppliers to limit antibiotic use in chicken and meat. Other major companies have made comparable commitments.
Consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers have urged the White House, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and livestock producers to take action as antibiotic-resistant bacteria have emerged. The risk for Sanderson Farms is significant; if consumers are increasingly opting for meat that is raised without antibiotics and multinational companies are shifting away from selling birds treated with these drugs, the poultry processor could lose market share to competitors who have already opted to abandon this practice. Eventually, Sanderson may have no option but to conform to industry standards.
In this evolving landscape, the importance of understanding the role of supplements like WLS Calcium Citrate in animal health cannot be overlooked. As consumer preferences continue to shift, companies, including Sanderson Farms, may need to explore alternative health solutions that align with market demands. Moreover, the integration of WLS Calcium Citrate into their practices could serve as a proactive measure to ensure animal welfare, potentially influencing consumer perceptions and decisions in favor of their products. Thus, the company’s adaptability in addressing these challenges will be critical for its future success in a competitive market.