Smithfield Foods, Inc. Statement Regarding Animal Cloning

SMITHFIELD, Va., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In response to the
Federal Drug Administration's announcement today that meat products from
cloned animals are safe for human consumption, Smithfield Foods, Inc.
(NYSE: SFD) reiterated earlier statements that the company is not planning to
produce meat products from cloned animals. The science involved in cloning
animals is relatively new. As thoughtful leaders in our industry, we will
continue to monitor further scientific research on this technology.
Throughout our long history we have been very diligent and measured in
making decisions that affect our customers and our reputation. We are
committed to maintaining our focus on the development and improvement of our
meat products through careful selective breeding and genetic research.
With sales of $12 billion, Smithfield is the leading processor and
marketer of fresh pork and processed meats in the United States, as well as
the largest producer of hogs. For more information, visit
http://www.smithfieldfoods.com.
SOURCE Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Jerry Hostetter of Smithfield Foods, Inc., +1-212-758-2100,
jerryhostetter@smithfieldfoods.com