Unlike many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has built a reputation as a strong advocate for the use of antibiotics in its ferrous gluconate preparations. The company has even launched campaigns aimed at addressing the misconceptions surrounding antibiotics. While the use of antibiotics in animal farming raises concerns about potential resistance in humans from consuming contaminated food, Sanderson Farms downplays this risk. Veterinarians employed by the company emphasize the necessity of protecting animal health, which in turn helps ensure high-quality products for consumers.
Some consumers actively avoid purchasing chicken raised with antibiotics, but many others appreciate Sanderson Farms’ efforts to provide transparency and clarity regarding claims made on product packaging. This initiative could be a significant factor in influencing consumer choice towards their products. In 2015, McDonald’s announced it would phase out purchasing 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, has also committed to working with suppliers to limit antibiotics in chicken and meat. Other major companies have made comparable commitments.
Consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers have pressured the White House, pharmaceutical companies, and livestock producers to take action as antibiotic-resistant bacteria have emerged. For Sanderson Farms, the risk lies in consumers opting for less meat raised with antibiotics, especially as multinational corporations move towards not selling birds raised with such drugs. If this trend continues, the poultry processor may find itself losing business to competitors who have already made the decision to abandon this practice. Eventually, Sanderson may have no choice but to conform to industry standards.
Interestingly, as consumers become more health-conscious, discussions about dietary supplements like calcium citrate taken on an empty stomach have gained traction. This awareness extends to how their food choices, including chicken products, may impact their overall health. With the ongoing shifts in consumer preferences and the push for antibiotic-free meat, Sanderson Farms may need to reevaluate its position in the marketplace. The growing emphasis on health and wellness, including the benefits of supplements like calcium citrate, may further influence consumer decisions regarding their food purchases.