SMITHFIELD, Va., May 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Smithfield Foods, Inc. published the third installment of its 2016 Sustainability Report, providing in-depth information about its continued commitment to produce safe, high-quality products. The Food Safety & Quality section highlights Smithfield’s leadership in this area, including recent product innovation achievements and a focus on its companywide food safety culture.
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“People are concerned today with food safety and with food ingredients,” said Stewart Leeth, vice president of regulatory affairs and chief sustainability officer for Smithfield Foods. “Across the company, whether at our farms or our plants, food safety is non-negotiable. Together, we have established a culture where safety and quality is every employee’s responsibility and where transparency in our practices is paramount.”
The report provides extensive information about Smithfield’s leading food safety and quality initiatives and certifications, such as:
- Maintaining zero United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recalls of any food product for the third consecutive year (2014-2016).
- Expanding its online ingredient glossary, a first for the meat industry that includes more than 100 definitions of ingredients that can be found in Smithfield products.
- Receiving an American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) certification at its Denison, Iowa, microbiology facility — one of only 283 organizations accredited nationwide.
- Investing approximately $20 million on capital improvements and projects, including upgrading refrigeration systems, enhancing cleaning and sanitation systems and installing new environmental testing equipment.
- Retaining its 100 percent Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certification, the international gold standard for food safety, at all applicable Smithfield Foods facilities, for the fifth year in a row.
- Innovating with the launch of Smithfield’s antibiotic-free line of pork products under its Pure Farms™ brand, along with many other product innovations.
“By maintaining the highest food safety and quality standards, Smithfield continues to build trust with consumers and customers, and produces some of the safest food in the world,” said Kenneth M. Sullivan, president and chief executive officer for Smithfield Foods. “In addition, our increased focus on product innovation will accelerate Smithfield’s growth in the future.”
Following the release of the Animal Care and Environment sections, the Food Safety & Quality section is now available at smithfieldfoods.com/food-safety-quality . The last installment of Smithfield’s 2016 Sustainability Report—Helping Communities and People—will be available Monday, May 22, with the complete report.
About Smithfield Foods Smithfield Foods is a $14 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield Ⓡ , Eckrich Ⓡ , Nathan's Famous Ⓡ , Farmland Ⓡ , Armour Ⓡ , John Morrell Ⓡ , Cook's Ⓡ , Kretschmar Ⓡ , Gwaltney Ⓡ , Curly's Ⓡ , Margherita Ⓡ , Carando Ⓡ , Healthy Ones Ⓡ , Krakus Ⓡ , Morliny Ⓡ and Berlinki Ⓡ . Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com .
Contact: Kathleen Kirkham Smithfield Foods, Inc. (757) 365-1965 kkirkham@smithfield.com
