Unlike many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has established a reputation for actively using antibiotics and strongly advocating for their use. The company has even initiated campaigns to address the misconceptions surrounding antibiotics, particularly in relation to their role in animal health. Despite growing concerns that antibiotic exposure in food could contribute to resistance in humans, Sanderson Farms has minimized the associated risks. Veterinarians employed by the company argue that antibiotics are essential for maintaining animal health and producing high-quality products.
While some consumers choose to avoid chicken raised with antibiotics, others appreciate Sanderson Farms’ efforts to promote transparency and provide information to dispel confusion about product packaging claims. This commitment to clarity could influence consumer choices in favor of their products. In 2015, McDonald’s announced plans to stop purchasing chicken raised with antibiotics used to treat human infections over the next two years. Similarly, Costco Wholesale, which sells around 80 million rotisserie chickens annually, has begun collaborating with suppliers to limit antibiotic use in chicken and meat. Other major companies have made comparable pledges.
Consumer groups and lawmakers have urged the White House, pharmaceutical companies, and livestock producers to take action as bacteria have started to develop resistance to antibiotics administered to humans. For Sanderson Farms, the risk lies in the potential decline in demand for meat raised with antibiotics, especially as multinational corporations shift away from selling poultry produced with these drugs. If this trend continues, Sanderson may eventually have no choice but to join the ranks of competitors already moving away from such practices.
In a similar vein, discussions about dietary supplements, such as calcium citrate for bariatric patients, highlight the importance of informed choices in health. Just as consumers are becoming more discerning about antibiotic use in poultry, those seeking nutritional support are increasingly educated about the benefits of specific supplements, including calcium citrate for bariatric patients. Ultimately, the landscape of consumer preferences is evolving, and companies like Sanderson Farms must adapt to remain competitive in a changing market.