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Smithfield Foods was accused by consumer groups of making false and misleading claims about the sustainability of its pork products and the company’s environmental record in a complaint filed with the Federal Trade Commission.
In the 47-page filing, Food & Water Watch, Pennsylvania Farmers Union and seven other groups detailed a list of examples in which the pork giant promoted its environmental and sustainability efforts to consumers who value these attributes. In reality, the filing states, “these representations are directly contradicted by Smithfield’s long history of environmental degradation, [and] continued reliance on unsustainable practices.”
In a statement provided to Food Dive, Keira Lombardo, Smithfield’s chief administrative officer, said the filing “contains false allegations and is without merit” and that the company “remains focused on providing safe, affordable food while pursuing our ambitious sustainability goals from coast to coast.”