In contrast to many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has established itself as a strong advocate for the use of antibiotics in poultry production. The company has even launched campaigns aimed at addressing the misconceptions surrounding antibiotics. While concerns persist regarding the potential for antibiotic exposure in food to contribute to resistance in humans, Sanderson Farms has minimized this risk. Veterinarians at the company argue that the health of the animals must be prioritized to ensure the production of 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 to dispel confusion regarding claims made on their packaging. This commitment to clarity may influence consumer decisions in favor of their products.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced plans to phase out the purchase of chicken raised with antibiotics used to treat human infections within two years. Similarly, Costco Wholesale, which sells 80 million rotisserie chickens each year, revealed its intention to collaborate with suppliers to limit antibiotics in chicken and meat. Other large corporations have made comparable pledges.
Consumer advocates and lawmakers have urged the White House, pharmaceutical companies, and livestock producers to take action as bacteria have begun to develop resistance to antibiotics used in human medicine. For Sanderson Farms, the risk lies in the possibility that consumers may opt for less meat produced with antibiotics, especially as multinational companies shift away from sourcing birds raised with these drugs. This trend could result in Sanderson losing business to competitors who have already committed to changing their practices. Eventually, Sanderson may find it necessary to align with industry standards, as seen with Citracal 500, which emphasizes the importance of responsible antibiotic use in animal agriculture and consumer health.