Foster Farms Attacks Salt Water Plumping

US - As leaders from the medical, health and food industries gathered at an Institute of Medicine meeting to explore strategies to reduce sodium in the American diet, West Coast poultry company Foster Farms is preparing 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.
calendar icon 31 March 2009
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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 per cent of the daily recommended allowance.

Research shows that high sodium intake is linked to many diseases, including high blood pressure and heart disease.

Consumers who purchase plumped chicken could pay up to $1.50 per package, or more than $100 per year per household, 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 programme, which involves television advertising, events, online and out-of-home components, begins 13 April and will focus on uncovering the practice of "plumping" fresh chicken with saltwater. The company’s web site at www.fosterfarms.com includes recipes and tips from the company’s nutritionist.

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