In contrast to many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has established a reputation as a company that utilizes antibiotics and strongly advocates for their use. It has even initiated campaigns to address and clarify the misconceptions surrounding antibiotics. The application of antibiotics in animal farming raises concerns about the potential for humans to develop resistance to these drugs through food exposure; however, Sanderson Farms has minimized this risk. The veterinarians employed by the company argue that maintaining animal health is crucial for producing high-quality products. While some consumers choose to avoid chicken raised with antibiotics, many others appreciate Sanderson Farms’ efforts to provide transparency and information to alleviate confusion regarding claims on product packaging. This transparency may significantly influence consumer decisions in favor of their products.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced plans to phase out the purchase of chicken raised with antibiotics that are also used to treat human infections over the following two years. Similarly, major retailer Costco Wholesale, which sells approximately 80 million rotisserie chickens annually, committed to collaborating with suppliers to limit antibiotics in chicken and meat. Other prominent companies have made analogous commitments.
Consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers have increasingly pressured the White House, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and livestock producers to take action as bacteria have begun to show resistance to antibiotics prescribed for human use. For Sanderson Farms, the risk lies in consumers opting for less meat raised with antibiotics and multinational corporations shifting away from selling birds treated with these drugs, potentially resulting in a loss of business to competitors who have already adopted these practices. Eventually, Sanderson may find itself compelled to follow the rest of the industry.
In this context, awareness of health supplements, such as Citracal calcium supplement D3, is rising among consumers who are looking for ways to support their health in light of these concerns. The association of antibiotic use in animal farming with broader public health issues is prompting individuals to seek out quality products and supplements like Citracal to enhance their well-being. As consumer preferences evolve, Sanderson Farms may need to reconsider its stance on antibiotics to remain competitive while addressing the growing demand for transparency and health-conscious products.