For Immediate Release                      
September 17, 2003

For more information contact:                        
lauren Ornelas 530/759-8482
Video and photo available
 
No More Ducking the Issue, Whole Foods!
Whole Foods’ Supplier Connected with Exposed Foie Gras Farm
 
Austin…An undercover investigation by animal advocates is bound to make Whole Foods’ executives squirm, since the investigation ties Whole Foods to some of the worst cruelty to animals most people have ever seen.
 
The expose was the subject of press conferences today in San Francisco and Sacramento after the news that Sonoma Foie Gras had been infiltrated by animal activists.
 
Sonoma Foie Gras buys ducks from Grimaud Farms, which also serves as the national marketer for the infiltrated company. Grimaud Farms supplies duck meat to Whole Foods. Video from Sonoma Foie Gras shows ducks being eaten alive by rats, others having tubes crammed down their throats to force feed them massive amounts of grain, and some who were unable to walk.
 
Whole Foods’ ties to Sonoma Foie Gras have been the topic of discussion between Viva!USA and Whole Foods, as well as a hot topic at Whole Foods’ annual meeting this past March. John Mackey, Whole Foods’ CEO, has steadfastly defended his company’s relationship with Sonoma Foie Gras and Grimaud. Trader Joe’s, Earth Fare, Wild Oats and others stopped carrying Grimaud duck meat after pressure from Viva! and concerned consumers.
 
Information on the foie gras investigations can be seen at: www.GourmetCruelty.com.
Information, including, video and photos on Grimaud Farms can be seen at:
www.vivausa.org/campaigns/ducks/wholefoods1102.html.
 
Viva! launched its campaign against duck meat in September of 2000 with the help of Paul McCartney and actress Hayley Mills. Video footage of duck units; full report; and media briefing and photos are available from Viva! or on their website at www.vivausa.org.
 
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