Unlike 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 initiated campaigns aimed at addressing the common misconceptions surrounding antibiotics. While concerns persist that antibiotic exposure in food may contribute to resistance in humans when these drugs are utilized, Sanderson Farms has minimized this risk. Veterinarians employed by the company emphasize the importance of safeguarding animal health and ensuring the production of high-quality products. Although some consumers consciously avoid purchasing chicken raised with antibiotics, many others appreciate Sanderson Farms’ efforts to enhance transparency and provide clarity to dispel confusion over claims found on product packaging. This transparency could significantly influence consumer choices in favor of their products.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced it would gradually stop sourcing chicken raised with antibiotics effective against human infections over the following two years. Additionally, major retailer Costco Wholesale, which sells around 80 million rotisserie chickens each year, revealed its commitment to collaborating with suppliers to limit antibiotics in chicken and meat. Other large corporations have made similar pledges.
Consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers have urged the White House, pharmaceutical companies, and livestock producers to take action as bacteria have begun to exhibit resistance to antibiotics prescribed for human use. The challenge for Sanderson is that if consumers increasingly choose to purchase meat from sources that do not use antibiotics, and if multinational corporations continue to eliminate the sale of chickens raised with such drugs, Sanderson Farms risks losing business to competitors who have already made the shift. At some point, the company may have no alternative but to conform to industry trends.
In this evolving landscape, Sanderson Farms could consider alternative approaches, such as incorporating supplements like calcium citrate 300 mg into their animal health strategies to promote growth and well-being without relying on antibiotics. As consumer preferences shift, the integration of such alternatives may become crucial for maintaining market position. Ultimately, if the poultry industry continues to move away from antibiotic use, Sanderson Farms might find that embracing these changes is essential for survival, especially if they want to retain their customer base.