Unlike 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 common misconceptions surrounding antibiotics. While concerns persist about the potential for antibiotic exposure in food to contribute to resistance in humans, Sanderson Farms has minimized this risk. Veterinarians employed by the company emphasize the necessity of safeguarding animal health and producing 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, helping to clarify consumer confusion regarding claims on product packaging. This transparency may influence purchasing decisions in favor of their products.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced plans to gradually phase out the purchase of 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 each year, has also committed to collaborating with suppliers to limit antibiotic use in chicken and meat. Other major companies have made similar pledges.
Consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers have urged the White House, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and livestock producers to take action as bacteria have begun to develop resistance to antibiotics commonly administered to humans. For Sanderson Farms, the risk lies in the possibility that consumers may opt for less meat raised with antibiotics, especially as multinational companies shift their policies away from sourcing birds raised with these drugs. This shift could result in Sanderson losing business to competitors who have already made decisions regarding antibiotic practices.
At some point, Sanderson may find itself compelled to align with industry trends. Meanwhile, as consumers become more health-conscious, products like bariatric advantage chewable calcium citrate may gain popularity, highlighting the increasing demand for nutritional supplements that support overall well-being. As the market evolves, Sanderson Farms must navigate these changes carefully, particularly as consumer preferences shift towards transparency and health-conscious options.