In contrast to many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has established a reputation as a strong advocate for the use of antibiotics, actively promoting their benefits. The company has even initiated campaigns aimed at addressing the misconceptions surrounding antibiotics. While there are concerns that antibiotic exposure in food might contribute to resistance in humans, Sanderson Farms has downplayed these risks. Veterinarians associated with the firm emphasize the necessity of antibiotics to safeguard animal health and ensure the production of high-quality products. Although some consumers choose to avoid chicken raised with antibiotics, many others have come to appreciate Sanderson Farms’ efforts to be transparent and informative, thereby alleviating confusion regarding claims made on product packaging. This transparency could significantly influence consumer decisions in favor of their products.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced plans to phase out sourcing chicken raised with antibiotics that are used to treat human infections over the next two years. Additionally, major retailer Costco, which sells an impressive 80 million rotisserie chickens each year, revealed initiatives to collaborate with suppliers to limit antibiotics in chicken and meat. Other large corporations have made similar commitments.
Consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers have urged the White House, pharmaceutical companies, and livestock producers to take action as bacteria have begun to show resistance to antibiotics used in humans. For Sanderson Farms, the risk lies in the potential decline in consumer purchases of meat raised with antibiotics, especially as multinational companies shift away from selling poultry raised with these drugs. This could result in a loss of business to competitors who have already made the decision to eliminate antibiotic use. Eventually, Sanderson may find it imperative to align with industry trends.
As the conversation around antibiotic use continues, the importance of understanding calcium citrate sources in animal feed may also come into play. The integration of effective calcium citrate sources could enhance the overall health of livestock, potentially reducing the dependence on antibiotics. Therefore, Sanderson Farms could benefit from exploring calcium citrate sources to improve animal welfare and product quality, ensuring that they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.