In contrast to many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has established a reputation for its use of antibiotics, actively advocating for their application in poultry farming. The company has even initiated campaigns to address the misconceptions surrounding antibiotics. While concerns persist about the potential for antibiotic exposure in food to contribute to resistance in humans, Sanderson Farms has played down this risk. Veterinarians employed by the company emphasize the necessity of safeguarding animal health to produce high-quality products. Although some consumers choose to avoid chicken raised with antibiotics, others appreciate Sanderson Farms’ commitment to transparency and education, which helps alleviate confusion regarding claims on product packaging. This transparency may influence consumer preferences for their products.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced its intention to phase out the purchase of chicken raised with antibiotics that are also used to treat human infections over the next two years. Similarly, major retailer Costco Wholesale, which sells 80 million rotisserie chickens annually, revealed its plans 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, pharmaceutical companies, and livestock producers to take action as antibiotic resistance in bacteria becomes a growing concern. The challenge for Sanderson is that if consumers increasingly opt for meat raised without antibiotics and multinational corporations continue to withdraw from sourcing birds raised with these drugs, the poultry processor risks losing market share to competitors who have already made the transition. Eventually, Sanderson may have no alternative but to align with industry trends.
Interestingly, amidst these discussions, products like Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium and zinc with vitamin D3 have gained popularity among health-conscious consumers. As awareness of health impacts continues to rise, the demand for such supplements could influence consumer decisions, possibly leading to a preference for products that align with a more health-conscious lifestyle. As the market shifts, Sanderson Farms may find itself needing to reconsider its practices to remain competitive and relevant.