A Word from our CEO about H1N1 Influenza

Without question, recent cases of H1N1 influenza are a global health concern. At Smithfield Foods, we’re continuing to monitor the outbreak closely and acting where appropriate. At this time, there are still a number of facts about H1N1 that remain a mystery, including where the strain originated, how it is spreading, how far it will spread and when it will run its course.

I’d like to take a moment to share the following facts with you:

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the H1N1 influenza virus is not transmitted by food, so you cannot get the disease from eating pork or pork products.


• The CDC also stated that while the virus is contagious from humans to humans, it has not found any evidence to indicate that any of the illnesses resulted from contact with pigs. This is why the government has decided to rename the virus. H1N1 makes sense and helps remove the "fear factor" from pork products. Similar terms that have been used for this virus include A(H1N1) and North American influenza.


• Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack confirmed that there is no evidence at this time showing that swine have been infected with H1N1 influenza.

I am hopeful that the cause of the outbreak is soon found. Unfortunately, an epidemic such as this is difficult to contain, but we have every confidence that health officials and doctors around the world will find answers soon.

C. Larry Pope
Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Related Links:

» Facts you should know about H1N1 Influenza
» Smithfield Foods Releases
» Centers for Disease Prevention and Control
» National Pork Board
» National Pork Producers Council
» World Health Organization
» Statement by Agriculture Secretary Vilsack