What is Plumping? and Why is it THAT important?

 Plumping is "also referred to as “enhancing” or “injecting,” is a term that describes the process by which some U.S. poultry companies inject raw chicken meat with saltwater, chicken stock, seaweed extract or some combination thereof. The practice is most commonly used for fresh chicken and is also used in frozen poultry products to extend the shelf life while also tenderizing and enhancing the flavor of the meat." The USDA has NO policy, other than labeling, that regulates this process. Enhanced meats generally contain 10 to 30 percent "added Broth". The "BROTH" is usually Saltwater and a binding agent. The binding agent prevents the water from leaking out of the meat after being injected.

                   Your health and well fair has become a major political and economic issue. Billions of dollars a year is spent on weight-loss and health foods. The practice of Plumping is in conflict with this. For me this is very close to home.  Recently my wife has had issue with High Blood Pressure. We have reduced the amount of Sodium that we now eat and have adjusted our meals. Meats that have been "PLUMPED" or enhanced not contain 190mg to 840mg of Additional Sodium Per Serving!!  Untreated Chicken has between 45mg and 60mg per serving.This is outrageous. Enhanced meat packaging does show the increased Sodium, but on meat who looks at the packaging? Both my wife's Doctor and a co-worker who is a Nurse, had NO CLUE about the practice of Plumping. I check some of the local Grocery stores while looking into this. Local chains Dierbergs and Schnucks do not Plump any of the meat that THEY package. Aldi's meats are labelled  with a 12% solution and Wal-Mart is a 15% solution. Frozen meats are usually Plumped. These products are labeled as being "100% Natural" with added "Broth".

True salt and water is Natural, but not good for you.
 Another issue with this is Cost. Because a product has now been "enhanced" with 30% saltwater you the consumer is paying for it. You just paid for 30% water. Thirty percent of YOUR costs is now worthless. A good example is this. 3 pounds of  "Natural (enhanced)" chicken has the same amount of Salt water that is in an 8oz Bottle. It also has as much salt as 12 orders of Fast food Fries.
For more info try these sites
-Say No to Plumping
-Consumer Reports
-The Wall Street Journal
-Wikipedia