Advocates to speak out against Foster Farms in Modesto, Merced on Sunday

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (June 1, 2006) – Although Foster Farms, California’s largest poultry producer, claims to be committed to animal welfare, a recent investigation (http://www.fosterfacts.net) by East Bay Animal Advocates (EBAA) reveals that the company violates animal cruelty laws and misleads the public through its marketing.

In an effort to raise the public’s awareness about Foster Farms’ role in the inhumane treatment of chickens, EBAA is leading a campaign on Sunday, June 4. Members of EBAA will help “foster compassion” by distributing informative literature about Foster Farms to shoppers outside of Costco Clubs in Modesto (3801 Pelandale Avenue) from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Merced (1445 R Street) from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Costco Wholesale Corporation is the largest membership warehouse club chain in the world and remains one of the top retailers of Foster Farms products.

“Costco plays an important role in promoting humane business practices,” says Christine Morrissey, EBAA director. “In order to advance the company’s commitment to excellence, we are asking Costco to conduct ongoing animal welfare audits of Foster Farms.”

Foster Farms’ products are produced under a set of conditions vastly different than what the term 'humane' reasonably and objectively represents. Investigations carried out by EBAA reveal that the actual conditions at Foster Farms include: husbandry methods that intentionally induce prolonged suffering and unsanitary conditions.

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East Bay Animal Advocates (EBAA) is a non-profit organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area. California is home to one of the most industrious and concentrated animal agriculture areas in the world. Exposing animal cruelty in modern agriculture is of utmost importance to EBAA. Through community outreach, EBAA is dedicated to fighting and preventing animal abuse in California's agricultural industry. On the web at http://www.eastbayanimaladvocates.org.