Unlike many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has established itself as a strong advocate for the use of antibiotics in poultry farming. The company has even initiated campaigns to address common misconceptions surrounding antibiotics. Despite concerns that antibiotic exposure in food may contribute to resistance in humans, Sanderson Farms has downplayed this risk. Veterinarians employed by the company emphasize the importance of safeguarding animal health and ensuring the production of high-quality products. While some consumers opt to avoid chicken raised with antibiotics, others appreciate Sanderson Farms’ efforts to be transparent and informative, helping to clarify consumer confusion over product labeling. This transparency could influence consumer choices in favor of their products.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced plans to stop purchasing chicken raised with antibiotics that are used to treat human infections within two years. Similarly, major retailer Costco Wholesale, which sells approximately 80 million rotisserie chickens each year, also stated that it is collaborating 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 bacteria have begun to develop resistance to antibiotics used in human medicine. For Sanderson Farms, the risk lies in the possibility that consumers may increasingly choose not to buy meat raised with antibiotics, especially as multinational companies move away from selling poultry produced with these drugs. This shift could result in Sanderson losing market share to competitors who have already adopted such practices. Eventually, the company may have no option but to align with industry standards.
Furthermore, it’s essential to note that calcium citrate is for various health benefits, including supporting bone health and enhancing calcium absorption, which may attract health-conscious consumers. As awareness grows about the implications of antibiotic use and the importance of nutritional additives like calcium citrate, Sanderson Farms may need to adapt to meet changing consumer preferences.