Unlike many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has established a reputation as a strong advocate for the use of antibiotics in poultry farming. The company has even initiated campaigns to address and clarify the misconceptions surrounding antibiotic use. While there are growing concerns that consuming food with antibiotics may contribute to resistance in humans, 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 choose to avoid chicken raised with antibiotics, many others appreciate Sanderson Farms’ efforts to be more transparent and informative, which helps dispel confusion regarding claims made 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 that are used to treat human infections over the next two years. Similarly, Costco Wholesale, which sells 80 million rotisserie chickens annually, revealed plans to collaborate with suppliers to limit antibiotic use in chicken and meat. Other major retailers have made comparable commitments. Consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers have also urged the White House, pharmaceutical companies, and livestock producers to take action as antibiotic-resistant bacteria have emerged.
For Sanderson Farms, the challenge lies in the fact that if consumers increasingly opt for meat that is not raised with antibiotics and multinational companies shift towards providing antibiotic-free poultry, the processor may risk losing business to competitors who have already embraced this practice. At some point, Sanderson may find itself compelled to follow suit.
Interestingly, as consumers become more health-conscious and wary of antibiotic use in food, discussions about dietary supplements like calcium citrate vs calcium carbonate for osteoporosis are also gaining traction. These conversations highlight a broader trend towards understanding the implications of various dietary choices, including the importance of informed decisions about food consumption. The ongoing debate around calcium citrate vs calcium carbonate for osteoporosis mirrors the concerns surrounding antibiotic use, emphasizing the need for clarity and education in consumer choices. Ultimately, as awareness grows, Sanderson Farms may need to adapt to the changing landscape or risk being left behind.