May 13, 2008

Up to 30 percent of weight in US chickens is broth

US chicken consumers are paying not only for the chicken meat but also for broth in chickens that chicken companies say makes them tastier.

Consumer Reports found chicken and turkey products with up to 30 percent of their weight from broth, flavoring solution, or water. Sodium levels were also far higher than in normal poultry.

The report found that some turkey breasts can contain around 15 percent of a solution. At a cost of US$14.61 that means consumers pay about US$2.00 for the added liquid. An enhanced turkey could have as much as 390 milligrams of sodium per serving.

Although Tyson Chicken Wing Sections claims "100 percent All Natural", the fine print said "contains up to 12 percent broth.", according to Consumer Reports.

Seventy percent of people Consumer Reports surveyed last year said that they think the label "natural" should mean no salt water is added.