SMITHFIELD, Va., Nov. 1, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NYSE:SFD) launched its new interactive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) website that speaks to consumers who wish to know more about the food they eat, allowing for a deeper, more timely dialogue with the company as well as up-to-date information about the company's CSR activities.
The new website, smithfieldcommitments.com, serves as a one-stop-shop for answering consumer questions and tracking data on specific sustainability programs, including the company's scorecard on environmental performance, animal care, food safety and quality, community involvement and employee health and safety.
"Today's consumers are hungry to know where their food comes from and how the companies who make it operate. We are excited to launch this site as an important step in elevating our commitment to accountability and transparency," said C. Larry Pope, president and chief executive officer of Smithfield Foods.
As a sustainability leader in the food industry, the company has surpassed many of its fiscal-2016 CSR goals by Q2 2011:
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Outperforming OSHA benchmarks for the meatpacking industry with a 4.66 injury rate—32.5% below the industry average.
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Delivering 8.4 million servings of protein to food insecure families, compared to 1 million servings last year.
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Food safety goals were met across the board, including zero recalls.
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Achieving zero Notices of Violation (NOVs) at more than 90% of its facilities.
"Over the past decade, sustainability has taken hold at every level of our company, from our corporate offices to the farms. This new site will provide an opportunity to listen and respond more quickly, while offering more in-depth information on the actions behind our words," Pope added.
"To us, this isn't just a website. It is a statement about how far we've come and where that commitment will take us in the future," said Dennis H. Treacy, Smithfield's executive vice president and chief sustainability officer.
"The Web has become increasingly social in nature, with social media channels becoming a primary source for information. We hope this website will serve as an innovative medium through which we can more effectively engage in conversation with our customers and respond to their questions and concerns," said Treacy.
Treacy will host a live Twitter dialogue to answer questions and share further information about the new site on November 2 at 2:00 EDT. To participate follow @SmithfieldCSR on Twitter and tweet questions using #SFDCSR. Those unable to make this event are encouraged to submit their questions using the website's Q&A function.
About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $12 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 Farmland®, Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Armour®, and John Morrell®. 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.
The Smithfield Foods, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7622
CONTACT: Keira Lombardo
Smithfield Foods, Inc.
(757) 365-3050
keiralombardo@smithfieldfoods.com
