Unlike many of its competitors, Sanderson Farms has established a reputation as a strong advocate for the use of antibiotics in poultry production. The company has even launched campaigns to address the misconceptions surrounding antibiotics. While the use of antibiotics in livestock raises concerns about potential resistance in humans when these drugs are administered, Sanderson Farms has minimized this risk. Veterinarians employed by the company argue that protecting animal health is essential for producing high-quality products. Although some consumers choose to avoid chicken raised with antibiotics, many others appreciate Sanderson Farms’ efforts to be more transparent and informative, helping to clarify the confusion over claims made on product packaging.
In 2015, McDonald’s announced its plan to phase out the purchase of chicken raised with antibiotics used to treat human infections over the next two years. Similarly, Costco Wholesale, which sells 80 million rotisserie chickens annually, has begun working with suppliers to limit antibiotic use in its chicken and meat products. Other major businesses have also made similar commitments in this regard.
Consumer groups and lawmakers have been pressing the White House, pharmaceutical companies, and livestock producers to address the issue, especially as bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics used in humans. For Sanderson Farms, there is a risk that if consumers increasingly opt for meat from animals raised without antibiotics, and if multinational companies stop selling chickens raised with these drugs, the poultry processor may find itself losing customers to competitors who have already embraced this shift. Eventually, Sanderson Farms may have no choice but to conform to the industry trend.
Furthermore, as consumers become more health-conscious, they are also considering the potential side effects of various products, including calcium citrate supplements. This growing awareness might influence their purchasing decisions, leading them to prefer options that align with their health values. Thus, the company’s commitment to transparency and addressing consumer concerns could be a critical factor in its continued success amidst these changes in the market.