Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 5/15/18



Smithfield Foods outlined recent efforts to improve food safety and progress toward its zero recall goal in the Food Safety and Quality section of its 2017 Sustainability Report.

The company said a revitalized food safety initiative builds upon the company's philosophy that all employees have a role to play in making safe, high-quality foods.

Initiatives included investments of more than $50 million in capital projects that enhance food safety and quality as well as production efficiency.

In terms of progressing a culture that puts food safety first, the company noted that its plant workers have the authority to shut down production if, for any reason, someone believes that the safety or quality of the food might be compromised.
Smithfield has an annual target of zero product recalls. In 2017, Smithfield plants had three recalls; two were from metal shavings and a third was from undeclared allergens.

In the wake of the recalls, Smithfield increased food safety efforts, allocating millions of dollars in additional spending for facility upgrades and equipment improvements. At several plants, new X-ray equipment was installed, as well as new systems of automation to reduce the chances of contamination.

Wherever possible, the company is automating processes to minimize the possibility of bacterial contamination. The report cited adding cutting-edge robotics technology on the slaughter floor in some of its facilities, providing the latest in hygiene and safety requirements while improving accuracy and increasing product yields during the cutting and deboning process. Smithfield installed

the technology in three facilities and plans to add it in other locations in the coming years.
Smithfield has also attained Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certification in 100 percent of it applicable plants — 35 in total — with an annual target of maintaining that certification at all facilities.

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