Unlike many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has established itself as a strong advocate for the use of antibiotics, even launching campaigns to address the misconceptions surrounding them. While concerns persist regarding the potential for antibiotics in food to contribute to human resistance, Sanderson Farms has minimized these worries. The company’s veterinarians emphasize the importance of safeguarding animal health to ensure the production of high-quality products. Although some consumers choose to avoid purchasing chicken raised with antibiotics, others appreciate Sanderson Farms’ efforts to provide transparency and clarity regarding the claims on product packaging, which could influence their purchasing decisions.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced plans to phase out sourcing chicken raised with antibiotics used to treat human infections over the next two years. Similarly, Costco Wholesale, which sells 80 million rotisserie chickens annually, stated that it is collaborating with suppliers to limit antibiotics in chicken and meat. Other major businesses have made comparable commitments. 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 used in humans.
For Sanderson Farms, the risk lies in the possibility that consumers may buy less meat raised with antibiotics, especially as multinational companies are moving towards not selling birds raised with these drugs. This shift could result in Sanderson losing business to competitors who have already made the decision to limit antibiotic use. Ultimately, Sanderson may find itself compelled to follow the industry’s trend, especially if consumers increasingly choose to buy alternatives, including options like chicken raised without antibiotics or even products that appeal to those looking to buy calcium citrate. Such consumer preferences could significantly impact the poultry processor’s market position.