Edward Smolyansky, the largest individual shareholder and a nominee for director of Lifeway Foods Inc., has released key findings from the 2023 sworn deposition of Dorri McWhorter, current Board Chairperson, ahead of the company's upcoming Annual Meeting. According to Edward Smolyansky, the deposition highlights significant governance concerns under then CEO and Chair Julie Smolyansky, as well as a lack of board accountability by Dorri McWhorter and director Jason Scher. Edward Smolyansky has called for shareholders to withhold votes from Julie Smolyansky, Dorri McWhorter, and Jason Scher at the Annual Meeting. He cited McWhorter's admission of being unaware of a 2023 activist letter and related shareholder concerns as a key factor in his recommendation. Edward Smolyansky has notified the company of his intent to nominate himself and George Sent for election to the Board of Directors. Lifeway shareholders are encouraged to review the forthcoming Shareholder Proxy Statement, which will contain additional information regarding the nominations and proxy solicitation.