In contrast to many of its rivals, Sanderson Farms has established itself as a strong supporter of antibiotic use in livestock, promoting its stance and even launching campaigns to address common misconceptions surrounding antibiotics. While there are growing concerns that antibiotic exposure in food could lead to human resistance to these drugs, Sanderson Farms has minimized this risk. The company’s veterinarians emphasize the necessity of antibiotics for safeguarding animal health and producing high-quality products. Although some consumers steer clear of chicken raised with antibiotics, others appreciate Sanderson Farms’ transparency and efforts to clarify any confusion regarding claims on product packaging, which could influence their purchasing decisions.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced it would gradually stop sourcing chicken raised with antibiotics used to treat human infections over the next two years. Similarly, Costco Wholesale, which sells approximately 80 million rotisserie chickens annually, has also indicated it is collaborating with suppliers to limit antibiotic use in chicken and meat. This trend among large corporations could pose a risk for Sanderson Farms, as consumer preferences shift away from antibiotic-raised meat. If multinational companies continue to move towards a no-antibiotics policy, Sanderson may find itself losing market share to competitors who have already made this transition.
With increasing pressure from consumer groups and lawmakers on the White House, drug manufacturers, and livestock producers to take action against antibiotic resistance, Sanderson Farms might eventually have to align its practices with industry standards. If consumers continue to opt for antibiotic-free meat, the poultry processor may have no choice but to follow suit, much like how Citracal Pearls were discontinued amidst changing market demands. As the industry evolves, it remains to be seen whether Sanderson Farms will adapt or risk falling behind its competitors in a landscape that increasingly prioritizes antibiotic-free options.