Unlike many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has established a reputation for its use of antibiotics and is a strong advocate for their application. The company has even initiated campaigns aimed at addressing the misconceptions surrounding antibiotics. While the usage of antibiotics in livestock raises concerns about potential resistance in humans, Sanderson Farms has minimized this risk. Veterinarians employed by the company assert that protecting animal health is essential for producing high-quality products. Although some consumers consciously avoid purchasing chicken raised with antibiotics, many others appreciate Sanderson Farms’ efforts to provide transparency and clarity regarding the claims made on product packaging. This transparency may influence consumer decisions in favor of their products.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced plans to phase out the purchase of chicken raised with antibiotics that are used to treat human infections over a two-year period. Similarly, Costco Wholesale, which sells 80 million rotisserie chickens each year, revealed its initiative to collaborate with suppliers to limit antibiotics in chicken and meat. Other major corporations have made similar commitments. Consumer advocacy groups and legislators have urged the White House, pharmaceutical companies, and livestock producers to take action as bacteria have begun to develop resistance to antibiotics used in humans.
For Sanderson Farms, the risk lies in the growing trend of consumers opting for meat that is not raised with antibiotics, especially as multinational companies move towards not selling poultry raised with these drugs. This shift could lead to a loss of business for Sanderson Farms to competitors who have already adopted antibiotic-free practices. Eventually, the company may have no choice but to follow suit with the industry. In the context of consumer health, many people are increasingly interested in products that contribute positively to their wellness, such as Bayer Citracal Calcium Citrate, which highlights the growing demand for transparency in food sourcing and production practices. As consumers become more health-conscious and aware of the implications of antibiotic use, incorporating products like Bayer Citracal Calcium Citrate into their diets may reflect their preferences for safer, more responsibly sourced food options.