WHOLE FOODS’ CHIEF OF CRUELTY

UNDER JASON BUECHEL’S LEADERSHIP, WHOLE FOODS BROKE THEIR TRUMPETED PROMISE TO STOP SOURCING BIRDS BRED TO SUFFER.

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Jason Buechel

Whole Foods CEO Jason Buechel
claims to run a purpose-driven company.

YET UNDER HIS LEADERSHIP, WHOLE FOODS BROKE THEIR PROMISE
TO STOP SELLING MEAT FROM CHICKENS BRED FOR UNNATURAL GROWTH—KNOWN AS FRANKENCHICKENS—BY 2024.
Although the company made this commitment over eight years ago, their most recent public reporting from 2023 reveals less than 5% progress toward their goal.
Whole Foods’ supply chain practices don’t match the company’s proclamations. Yet their executives continue to rake in profits under the guise of leading a company that prioritizes transparency, integrity, and “rigorous animal welfare standards.”
Typical Factory Farm | Photo: Benjamin Blomstedt | We Animals Media

STATEMENTS FROM WHOLE FOODS CEO JASON BUECHEL

And the Dark Reality Behind Them

Things like animal welfare standards are a key differentiator for our business.

—JASON BUECHEL
LEFT UNSAID:

Breeding for rapid growth dooms Frankenchickens to a life of pain. Is selling meat from birds who collapse under their own weight a key animal welfare differentiator?

Our goal is not just to make these [better] products available at Whole Foods Market but to help drive change in the broader industry.

—JASON BUECHEL
LEFT UNSAID:

Frankenchickens’ extreme weight gain can result in white striping and other abnormalities. Do abnormal birds inspire change in the industry?

We want to have a dialogue with you about your roadmap for today and in the future.

—JASON BUECHEL
LEFT UNSAID:

While Mr. Buechel claims to care about potential suppliers’ roadmaps, Whole Foods has failed to publish a roadmap for eliminating birds bred to suffer. Are double standards the norm in Whole Foods’ operations?

The muscle abnormalities and their impacts on meat discussed here are associated with the practices of (not necessarily the products of) the company featured on this website.

Hold Jason Buechel Accountable

Jason Buechel has the power and responsibility to deliver on one of Whole Foods’ key animal welfare promises—but he needs to hear from you.

Urge Whole Foods to publish a time-bound plan for fulfilling their pledge to stop sourcing birds bred to suffer.