Chinese Firm Purchased Smithfield Farms-Truth!
Summary of eRumor:
This is a forwarded email alleging that Smithfield Farms has been sold to a Chinese firm. The email says poor sanitary conditions with Chinese farm-raised tilapia should raise concerns to American consumers.
The Truth:
Smithfield Farms, Inc., was purchased by Chinese food producer Shuanghui International, according to an October 25, 2013, article by UPI that said the acquisition “has left many Americans feeling concerned about the future of food safety.”
The Smithfield transaction was the largest purchase of a U.S. company by a Chinese investor, “a deal valued at $7 billion, including $4 billion in cash.”
The article said that the concerns over the food safety were raised from the recent news of Chinese tainted dog treats resulting in the deaths of hundreds of pets “from a mystery illness.” A Smithfield spokesperson told reporters that the objective of the deal was “to increase the export of U.S. pork to China.”
The eRumor alleged poor sanitary conditions of farm raised tilapia from China. TruthOrFiction.com has findings posted, which can be read by clicking this link.
Our findings about Starkist being purchased by a Korean company can be found by clicking this link.
Posted 06/12/14