Smithfield to Accept Only U.S. Hogs from Suppliers

SMITHFIELD, Va. — With the effective date for the Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling program looming just a handful of days ahead, Smithfield Foods announced plans to only work with producers able to provide the company with hogs born and raised in the United States, which will be processed at its U.S.-based plants.

The company issued a release stating that as of April 2009, its hog suppliers are expected to create a system capable of supplying Smithfield's U.S. plants with only animals born and raised in the U.S. Its fresh pork products sold at retail will be labeled as "born, raised and processed in the U.S.A."

"Smithfield expects that any independent producer who wishes to be a valued supplier of live animals to Smithfield will work with the company between now and the end of March to create a fully documented and transparent supply of hogs born and raised in the U.S.A.," the statement said.

The company iterated its vertically integrated business structure allows it to ensure effective traceability, food safety and compliance with the soon-to-be implemented C.O.O.L. regulation.

Source: MeatPoultry.com