In contrast to many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has established a reputation as a strong advocate for the use of antibiotics in poultry farming. The company has even initiated campaigns to address the misconceptions surrounding the use of antibiotics, including discussions on topics such as powdered calcium citrate. The practice of administering antibiotics to livestock has raised concerns about potential resistance in humans due to antibiotic exposure through food; however, Sanderson Farms has minimized these risks. Veterinarians employed by the company emphasize the necessity of safeguarding animal health and ensuring the production of high-quality products. While some consumers choose to avoid chicken raised with antibiotics, many others appreciate Sanderson Farms’ efforts to enhance transparency and clarify the claims made on product packaging, which may influence their purchasing decisions.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced it would gradually stop sourcing chicken raised with antibiotics used to treat human infections over the following two years. Similarly, Costco Wholesale, which sells an impressive 80 million rotisserie chickens each year, revealed that it is collaborating with suppliers to limit the use of antibiotics in chicken and meat. Other major companies have made comparable commitments.
Consumer advocates and lawmakers have urged the White House, pharmaceutical companies, and livestock producers to take action as bacteria have begun to develop resistance to antibiotics commonly used in humans. The potential risk for Sanderson Farms lies in the possibility that consumers may increasingly opt for meat raised without antibiotics, particularly as multinational corporations shift away from sourcing poultry treated with these drugs. This trend could result in Sanderson Farms losing business to competitors who have already adopted a more cautious approach. Ultimately, the company may find itself compelled to align its practices with the broader industry trend, which could include considerations such as the incorporation of powdered calcium citrate in their product offerings.