We previously emailed Wakefern in August 2023, November 2023, and January 2024 regarding our investigation into the use of forced labor in China’s seafood processing industry. For several months, we have been conducting an investigation of the shrimp company, Choice Canning. We understand that Choice Canning has supplied shrimp to Wakefern under Wakefern’s own brands ‘Bowl & Basket’ and ‘Wholesome Pantry’, as well as under Choice Canning’s ‘Tastee Choice’ brand. Part of that investigation has involved an ongoing conversation with a former Choice Canning employee who managed a plant for the com…
The piece we are preparing to publish, which we believe to be in the public interest, will mention Wakefern (and ShopRite) briefly, but in no way accuses the company or any of its officers of doing anything wrong.
We are writing, therefore, to alert Wakefern to matters uncovered by the investigation prior to publication of our article, and to offer the firm the opportunity to comment should they wish to. The contexts in which Wakefern is mentioned in the piece are as follows:
- Shoprite is mentioned as one of the firms supplied by Choice Canning.
- The article will also report the content…