SMITHFIELD, Virginia (May 8, 2018) — At Smithfield Foods, the care and safety of our animals is a top priority. As with all concerns regarding our animals’ well-being and in an abundance of caution, we have immediately launched an internal and third-party investigation of the sow farm in question. Once complete, we will share these findings and swiftly address concerns, if any.
 
The health and well-being of these animals were compromised when those claiming to be animal care advocates trespassed onto farms, violated our strict biosecurity policy that prevents the spread of disease, and stole our animals. These individuals are not animal care experts, but activists who continuously risk the lives of the animals they claim to rescue. In fact, illegal activities similar to these recently earned activist members of Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) several felony charges and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is reportedly investigating DxE following similar thefts in Utah.
 
In regards to our group housing commitment for pregnant sows, we successfully completed our transition on all company-owned farms globally, including our hog operations in North Carolina by the end of 2017. Earlier this year, we released a virtual reality video of our sow farm to educate viewers about sow group housing. Individual stalls are still used for breeding and farrowing. These stalls provide a safer, less stressful space for sows during the breeding process. Once confirmed pregnant, sows live in groups until they are ready to give birth at about 16 weeks. Then, they are moved into individual farrowing stalls to give birth and nurse their piglets until weaned at about 24 days. These stalls are specifically designed to facilitate the birthing process, keep sows comfortable, and protect piglets. Learn more about this process by watching this video. DxE specifically ignored the group housed barns on the farm they unlawfully broke into in an effort to deliberately mislead viewers.
 
The vast majority of our animals are market hogs, which are housed in groups their entire lives. Sows are mother pigs and their offspring become market hogs. We invite you to learn more about our commitment to ensuring the respectful and humane treatment of our animals by reviewing our Animal Care Policy.
 
At Smithfield, we use antibiotics, as authorized or prescribed by company veterinarians, to control, treat, and prevent disease. We do not, however, use medically important antibiotics to promote growth or for feed efficiency on farms. Smithfield’s Antibiotics Policy aligns all current and applicable U.S. Food and Drug Administration laws including the use of carbadox, a veterinary drug that combats bacterial infections in hogs.
 
Our animals’ well-being is of utmost importance and is tied directly to the financial success of our company. Our animal care specialists undergo rigorous training for animal handling and adhere to a robust animal welfare system that keeps our animals safe, comfortable, and healthy. Healthy animals are more resistant to disease, gain weight faster, and healthy sows have larger and stronger litters. The recent allegations from these activists contradict all of our efforts focused on both what is best for our animals and what is best for our business.
 
The above statements may be attributed to Keira Lombardo, senior vice president of corporate affairs for Smithfield Foods, Inc.
 
About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a $15 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®, Farmer John®, Kretschmar®, John Morrell®, Cook’s®, Gwaltney®, Carando®, Margherita®, Curly’s®, Healthy Ones®, Morliny®, Krakus® 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.