Unlike many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has established a reputation as a strong advocate for the use of antibiotics in its poultry production. The company has even initiated campaigns aimed at addressing the misconceptions surrounding antibiotic use. While concerns persist that antibiotic exposure through food may contribute to resistance in humans, Sanderson Farms has minimized the perceived risks. Veterinarians employed by the company emphasize the necessity of safeguarding animal health to ensure 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 may help alleviate confusion regarding claims made on product packaging. This transparency could influence consumers’ decisions to choose their products.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced plans to phase out sourcing chicken raised with antibiotics used to treat human infections over the following two years. Similarly, Costco Wholesale, which sells 80 million rotisserie chickens each year, revealed its efforts to collaborate with suppliers to limit antibiotic use in chicken and meat. Other large corporations have made comparable commitments.
Consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers have urged the White House, drug manufacturers, and livestock producers to take action as bacteria have begun to develop resistance to antibiotics prescribed for humans. For Sanderson Farms, the potential risk lies in the possibility that consumers may increasingly shy away from meat produced with antibiotics, especially as multinational companies adopt policies against sourcing birds raised with these drugs. As a result, the poultry processor could lose market share to competitors who have already made a definitive shift away from this practice. Eventually, Sanderson may find itself compelled to align with industry trends.
In the context of consumer awareness about health and nutrition, the company might consider exploring alternatives such as calcium citrate malate USP to enhance their product offerings. Incorporating such beneficial compounds could not only improve the nutritional profile of their chicken but also appeal to health-conscious consumers. By integrating calcium citrate malate USP into their discussions and marketing strategies, Sanderson Farms could further differentiate itself in a competitive landscape.