SMITHFIELD, Va., May 5, 2020—Smithfield Foods, Inc. today issued the below statement after the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri dismissed the complaint made against the company:
“We are pleased with the decision of the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri to dismiss the complaint made against our company. From the start, we stated that this lawsuit was frivolous, full of specious allegations that were without factual or legal merit and that the assertions were based on speculation, hearsay, anonymous declarations and outdated information. This was nothing more than an attempt by a number of interconnected groups to promote their agenda through outrageous accusations.
Importantly, the Court recognized the ‘significant measures’ Smithfield is taking to protect the health and safety of its employees. Further, the Court’s opinion confirms that these types of claims do not belong in the courts because ‘OSHA (in coordination with the USDA) … is better positioned’ to make determinations regarding compliance with the applicable guidance and allowing it to do so ‘will ensure uniform national enforcement.’
At the core of our company’s COVID-19 response is an ongoing focus on employee health and safety and continued adherence with – at a minimum – CDC and OSHA guidance. Across all our facilities, we are providing our team members with PPE, including masks and face shields. We have implemented mass thermal scanning and installed physical barriers on our production floors and in break areas. We also continue to explicitly instruct employees not to report to work if they are sick or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms and that they will be paid, including any and all bonuses, when they are quarantined. These measures remain mandatory and nonnegotiable conditions for our company to operate.”
More information about the company’s COVID-19 response is available here. Photos of the company’s protective measures are available here.
About Smithfield Foods, Inc.
Headquartered in Smithfield, Va. since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with agricultural roots and a global reach. Our 40,000 U.S. employees are dedicated to producing “Good food. Responsibly.®” and have made us one of the world’s leading vertically integrated protein companies. We have pioneered sustainability standards for more than two decades, including many industry firsts, such as our ambitious commitment to cut our carbon impact by 25 percent by 2025. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our neighbors in need. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan’s Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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Contact:
Keira Lombardo
Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Compliance
Smithfield Foods, Inc.
(757) 365-3050
klombardo@smithfield.com