The results of Mercy For Animals’ investigative report, White Striping at Whole Foods, reveal the chain’s devastating secret: Whole Foods is profiting from lies, fat-streaked meat, and animal cruelty.
The Shopper-Led Investigation
In February 2025, Mercy For Animals called on those living near Whole Foods locations to survey chicken meat at their local stores for evidence of white striping disease. While it doesn’t harm consumers, white striping serves as evidence of the suffering endured by chickens bred to grow monstrously large and abnormally fast, also known as Frankenchickens. It is visible as white lines across the meat and occurs when oxygen-starved muscle fibers are replaced with fat.
The Heartbreaking Results
All 88 Whole Foods locations investigated were found to sell chicken meat with clear signs of white striping. The stores surveyed span 52 cities across 18 U.S. states and six cities in one Canadian province.
These results are clear proof the company broke their promise to stop selling meat from birds bred for monstrous growth by 2024.
Birds in Whole Foods’ Operations Are Bred to Suffer
Most chickens trapped in Whole Foods’ supply chain grow so quickly that their bones and joints can’t support the weight of their ballooning bodies. Many struggle to stand or move, resulting in significant distress. Some tragically suffer fatal heart attacks and organ failure.
Whole Foods claims to be an ethical leader in animal welfare but has failed to follow through on their pledge to ban the worst cruelty from their chicken supply chain. The grocery store must be held accountable.
What You Can Do
See the full report to learn more about the disturbing results and Whole Foods’ broken promise, and take action at WholeFoodsChicken.com to tell Whole Foods to do better for animals.
