Press Room

SALT TAKES CENTER STAGE IN CHICKEN PRODUCER’S NEW CONSUMER CAMPAIGN Foster Farms Reaffirms Commitment to Never Injecting Its Fresh Chicken with Saltwater

3/30/2009
LIVINGSTON, Calif. – As leaders from the medical, health and food industries gather today at an Institute of Medicine meeting to explore strategies to reduce sodium in the American diet, West Coast poultry company Foster Farms readies an awareness campaign highlighting its natural, fresh chicken and reassuring consumers that the family–owned poultry company has never, and will never, inject its fresh chicken with saltwater.

Beginning in April, the company will launch a consumer awareness campaign to inform shoppers of the little known practice of some producers "plumping" – or injecting – fresh chicken with unusable saltwater. "Plumping" costs consumers in their health and their bottom line. The average serving of plumped chicken contains more sodium than a large order of French fries or more than 25% of the daily recommended allowance. Research shows that high sodium intake is linked to many diseases, including high blood pressure and heart disease ¹. Consumers who purchase plumped chicken could pay up to $1.50 per package, or more than $100 per year per household ², on saltwater, alone.

Some chicken companies have been plumping chicken for years and labeling the product "Natural."

There’s nothing ’natural’ about saltwater that consumers are unknowingly paying for at chicken prices," said Ira Brill, Director of Marketing and Advertising Services for Foster Farms. "We believe consumers who purchase fresh chicken should get what they expect to pay for, particularly in these tough economic times. We feel it’s important to continue our 70–year commitment to producing premium, all natural, fresh poultry."

Foster Farms’ new program, which involves television advertising, events, online and out–of–home components, begins April 13 and will focus on uncovering the practice of "plumping" fresh chicken with saltwater. The company’s web site at www.fosterfarmsandnewmansown.net includes recipes and tips from the company’s nutritionist.

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¹ UCSF "Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults" study, March 2009.

² Based on an average household size of 2.59 (US Census 2000), an average chicken consumption of 86 lbs/capita per year (USDA), average price for chicken breast at $3.33 (USDA) and up to 15% saltwater content by weight.

About Foster Farms
Since 1939, West Coast families have depended on Foster Farms for premium quality chicken and turkey products. Family–owned and operated, the company continues its legacy of excellence and commitment to quality established by its founders, Max and Verda Foster. Foster Farms specializes in fresh, all natural chicken and turkey products free of preservatives, additives or injected sodium enhancers. Based in California’s Central Valley, with ranches also in the Pacific Northwest, the company’s fresh chicken and turkey are produced in or near each region served. Foster Farms also produces delicious pre–marinated, ready–to–cook and fully cooked products that meet the quality and convenience needs of today’s home cooks, retailers, warehouse clubs and foodservice customers. The company’s commitment to excellence, honesty, quality, service, and people is a source of great pride, and, a longtime family tradition.

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