In a press release, Foster Farms President and Chief Executive Officer Ron Foster assured consumers that they are taking the necessary steps to keep their chicken products safe. However, he reiterated that there is no recall. The press release was issued in the midst of the salmonella outbreak traced to Foster Farms' chickens that had made 300 people sick in 17 states.

Foster said, "Consumers should know that as recently as Oct. 8, USDA-FSIS publicly assured the safety of our chicken: "Foster Farms chicken is safe to eat but, as with all raw chicken, consumers must use proper preparation, handling and cooking practices." There is no recall in effect and FSIS continues to inspect our poultry on a daily basis, certifying it as Grade A wholesome."

Foodborne diseases had cost the US economy. According to a report released by the US Department of Agriculture in 2010, Salmonella and Escherichia coli cases cost the US USD 3.13 billion annually. Salmonella infections coming from all sources cost USD 2.65 billion per year, according to a USDA Economic Research Service report. On the average, the cost per case for Salmonella cases was pegged at USD 1,896. The cost estimates took into consideration time lost from work, the medical costs as well as the cost of premature death as a result of illness.