In contrast to many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has established a reputation for being an advocate of antibiotic use in poultry production. The company has even initiated campaigns to address and dispel common misconceptions surrounding antibiotics. While the utilization of antibiotics in animal agriculture raises concerns about potential resistance in humans, Sanderson Farms has minimized these risks. The veterinarians employed by the company emphasize the necessity of safeguarding animal health and ensuring 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, which aims to clarify consumer confusion regarding claims made on product labels. This effort may significantly influence why some customers opt for their products.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced it would gradually stop sourcing chicken raised with antibiotics critical for treating human infections over the next two years. Similarly, Costco Wholesale, which sells an impressive 80 million rotisserie chickens each year, disclosed plans to collaborate with suppliers to limit antibiotic use in their poultry and meat products. Other large retailers have made analogous pledges.
Consumer advocates and lawmakers have pressured the White House, pharmaceutical companies, and livestock producers to take action as bacteria have increasingly become resistant to antibiotics used in human medicine. The potential risk for Sanderson Farms lies in the possibility that consumers may increasingly prefer meat from antibiotic-free sources, while multinational corporations are moving towards eliminating the sale of poultry raised with such drugs. If this trend continues, Sanderson may find itself at a competitive disadvantage, potentially compelled to conform to industry standards.
As consumers become more health-conscious, they may also consider factors such as the nutritional benefits of calcium carbonate versus calcium citrate in their diets. This shift in consumer preferences could influence purchasing decisions, further impacting Sanderson’s market position. Ultimately, if the demand for antibiotic-free meat continues to grow, Sanderson Farms might have no option but to follow the trends set by its competitors, including the increasing interest in nutritional supplements like calcium carbonate and calcium citrate.