Unlike many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has established a reputation as a strong supporter of antibiotic use in poultry production. The company has even initiated campaigns to address the misconceptions surrounding antibiotics. Concerns have been raised about the potential for antibiotic exposure in food to contribute to resistance in humans; however, Sanderson Farms has minimized these risks. Veterinarians employed by the company emphasize the necessity of protecting animal health to produce high-quality products. While some consumers choose to avoid chicken raised with antibiotics, many others appreciate Sanderson Farms’ efforts to be transparent and informative, helping to clarify misunderstandings regarding product labeling. This transparency may influence consumer decisions to purchase their products.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced plans to phase out sourcing chicken raised with antibiotics that are also used to treat human infections over the following two years. Similarly, major retailer Costco Wholesale, which sells around 80 million rotisserie chickens each year, has committed to collaborating with suppliers to limit antibiotic use in chicken and meat. Other large corporations have made comparable pledges.
Consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers have urged the White House, pharmaceutical companies, and livestock producers to take action as bacteria have begun to display resistance to antibiotics used in human medicine. The risk for Sanderson Farms lies in the potential decline in consumer demand for meat produced with antibiotics, especially as multinational companies move away from selling poultry raised with such drugs. Consequently, Sanderson Farms may find itself losing business to competitors that have already made decisions regarding antibiotic practices. Ultimately, the company may have to adapt and follow industry trends.
In the midst of these challenges, the health of the livestock and the quality of products—such as those fortified with calcitrate 200mg—remain crucial to Sanderson Farms’ operations. The commitment to maintaining high standards may help the company navigate the shifting landscape of consumer preferences and regulatory pressures. As the conversation around antibiotics continues to evolve, the integration of supplements like calcitrate 200mg into their products could also play a role in reassuring health-conscious consumers.