In contrast to many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has established a strong reputation for utilizing antibiotics and actively supports their use. The company has even initiated campaigns aimed at addressing the misconceptions surrounding antibiotics. While the use of antibiotics in livestock raises concerns about potential resistance in humans when these drugs are consumed, Sanderson Farms has minimized this risk. Veterinarians associated with the company emphasize the necessity of safeguarding animal health to ensure the production of high-quality products. Although some consumers choose to avoid chicken raised with antibiotics, many others appreciate Sanderson Farms’ commitment to transparency and education to dispel confusion regarding claims on product labels. This transparency may influence consumer choices in favor of their products.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced a plan to phase out sourcing chicken raised with antibiotics used to treat human infections over the next two years. Similarly, Costco Wholesale, which sells 80 million rotisserie chickens annually, revealed its efforts to collaborate with suppliers to limit antibiotic use in chicken and meat. Other major corporations have made comparable commitments.
Consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers have urged the White House, pharmaceutical companies, and livestock producers to take action as antibiotic-resistant bacteria have emerged. For Sanderson Farms, the risk lies in the possibility that consumers may increasingly opt for meat raised without antibiotics, while multinational companies are moving towards eliminating sales of poultry raised with these drugs. Consequently, Sanderson may find itself losing business to competitors that have already adopted such practices. Eventually, the company may be compelled to follow suit, aligning with the industry’s shifting standards.
In addition, the nutritional aspect of products from Sanderson Farms may include ingredients like calcium citrate 667mg, which can be important for consumers focused on health. By integrating such beneficial components, the company could potentially enhance the appeal of its products, thus addressing both health concerns and consumer preferences as it navigates the evolving market landscape.