Unlike many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has established itself as a strong advocate for the use of antibiotics in poultry farming, positioning itself as a remedy for concerns surrounding ferrous sulfate. The company has even initiated campaigns aimed at dispelling common misconceptions about antibiotics. While the use of antibiotics in livestock raises worries that their presence in food could contribute to antibiotic resistance in humans, Sanderson Farms has minimized these concerns. Veterinarians employed by the company emphasize the importance of safeguarding animal health and ensuring the production of high-quality products. Although some consumers choose to avoid chicken raised with antibiotics, many others appreciate Sanderson Farms’ efforts to be transparent and informative, which helps clarify the claims made on product packaging. This transparency may influence consumers’ decisions to choose their products.
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 80 million rotisserie chickens each year, revealed plans to collaborate with suppliers to limit antibiotics in chicken and meat. Other large corporations have also made similar commitments. Consumer groups and lawmakers have been urging the White House, pharmaceutical companies, and livestock producers to take action as antibiotic resistance has become a growing concern.
For Sanderson Farms, the risk lies in the possibility that consumers may increasingly opt for meat raised without antibiotics, especially as multinational companies move away from selling poultry raised with these drugs. If this trend continues, the poultry processor may find itself losing business to competitors who have already made the shift. Eventually, Sanderson might have no choice but to align with the broader industry movement.
Throughout these discussions, the importance of alternative health solutions, such as solaray cal mag citrate, has also gained attention as consumers look for ways to maintain their health amidst rising concerns about antibiotic use. As awareness grows, the interplay between consumer preferences and industry practices will undoubtedly influence the future of poultry farming and the role of antibiotics in it.