--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Scientific studies and government records…" description: "\"“Scientific studies and government records suggest that virtually all (upwards of 95 percent of) chickens become infected with E. coli (an indicator of..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e9f/jonathan-safran-foer-136_animal-cruelty_scientific-studies-and-government-record_1983390.png" --- # Scientific studies and government records suggest that… ![“Scientific studies and government records suggest that virtually all (upwards of 95 percent of) chickens become infected with E. coli (an indicator of fecal contamination) and between 39 and 75 percent of chickens in retail stores are still infected. Around 8 percent of birds become infected with…” quote by Jonathan Safran Foer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e9f/jonathan-safran-foer-136_animal-cruelty_scientific-studies-and-government-record_1983390.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e9f/jonathan-safran-foer-136_animal-cruelty_scientific-studies-and-government-record_1983390.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e9f/jonathan-safran-foer-136_animal-cruelty_scientific-studies-and-government-record_1983390.png) > ““Scientific studies and government records suggest that virtually all (upwards of 95 percent of) chickens become infected with E. coli (an indicator of fecal contamination) and between 39 and 75 percent of chickens in retail stores are still infected. Around 8 percent of birds become infected with salmonella (down from several years ago, when at least one in four birds was infected, which still occurs on some farms). Seventy to 90 percent are infected with another potentially deadly pathogen, campylobacter. Chlorine baths are commonly used to remove slime, odor, and bacteria. Of course, consumers might notice that their chickens don't taste quite right - how good could a drug-stuffed, disease-ridden, shit-contaminated animal possibly taste? - but the birds will be injected (or otherwise pumped up) with "broths" and salty solutions to give them what we have come to think of as the chicken look, smell, and taste. (A recent study by Consumer Reports found that chicken and turkey products, many labeled as natural, "ballooned with 10 to 30 percent of their weight as broth, flavoring, or water.”” [Jonathan Safran Foer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-safran-foer/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Industrial poultry production often hides widespread bacterial contamination and artificial enhancements, misleading consumers about safety and quality. **In simple terms:** Factory farms hide disease and add water to meat. Key Takeaway Demand transparent labeling and safer farming practices. Themes food safety industrial agriculture consumer deception Mood concerned critical Type informative advocacy When to use this quote - grocery shopping - restaurant ordering - home cooking Key Concepts bacterial contamination food processing ethical consumption Questions to Reflect On - How do you verify the safety of your food? - What changes would make you trust meat products more? 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Around 8 percent of birds become infected with salmonella (down from several years ago, when at least one in four birds was infected, which still occurs on some farms). Seventy to 90 percent are infected with another potentially deadly pathogen, campylobacter. Chlorine baths are commonly used to remove slime, odor, and bacteria. Of course, consumers might notice that their chickens don't taste quite right - how good could a drug-stuffed, disease-ridden, shit-contaminated animal possibly taste? - but the birds will be injected (or otherwise pumped up) with \"broths\" and salty solutions to give them what we have come to think of as the chicken look, smell, and taste. 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