In contrast to many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has established a reputation for its use of antibiotics and is a strong advocate for their application. The company has even initiated campaigns to address the misconceptions surrounding antibiotics. While concerns persist that antibiotic exposure in food could lead to resistance in humans, Sanderson Farms has minimized this risk. Veterinarians employed by the company emphasize the necessity of safeguarding animal health to ensure the production of high-quality products.
Although some consumers opt to avoid chicken raised with antibiotics, many appreciate Sanderson Farms’ efforts to enhance transparency and educate the public, which may influence their purchasing decisions. In 2015, McDonald’s announced plans to phase out chicken sourced from farms using antibiotics that treat human infections within two years. Similarly, Costco Wholesale, which sells around 8 million rotisserie chickens per year, revealed its commitment to work with suppliers to limit antibiotic use in chicken and meat. Other significant 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 started developing resistance to antibiotics used in humans. The challenge for Sanderson Farms is the potential decline in consumer demand for antibiotic-raised meat, especially as multinational companies transition away from selling birds raised with such drugs. If this trend continues, Sanderson may eventually have to adapt to align with industry standards.
Moreover, the health of consumers, particularly pregnant individuals who may benefit from calcium caltrate for pregnant women, could influence market dynamics. As awareness of antibiotic use in poultry increases, the demand for healthier alternatives, including those fortified with essential nutrients like calcium caltrate, may shape the future of the poultry industry. Ultimately, Sanderson Farms might find itself needing to follow the industry’s shift towards more responsible practices, or risk losing ground to competitors who are already adapting.