The largest pork producer in the USA is now in possession of a $ 22 billion in Chinese meat processing company
The largest pork producer in the USA is now in possession of a $ 22 billion in Chinese meat processing company
Smithfield Corporation, the largest pork producer in the United States, is a well -known name when it comes to processed meat. However, many consumers do not know that the 2013 company was bought by WH Foods, a $ 22 billion in Chinese meat processing company. This takeover has aroused concerns about the effects of foreign control over an important actor in the American food industry as well as the ecological and social consequences of Smithfield's factory farming practices.
background and acquisition
The Smithfield Corporation with its headquarters in Smithfield, Virginia, is known for her sausages, roast, ribs, bacon and more. In 2013 it was bought by Wh Foods of China, a company that generated sales of $ 22.3 billion in 2017. The takeover made it possible to expand his global presence and to ensure a constant supply of pork for the Chinese market, which is affected by African swine fever and decline in swine population. Smithfield does not know the exact amount of meat that exports it to China, but the company sold about £ 38.8 million pork to the country in a few months.
environmental consequences
The factory preservation practices of Smithfield Foods were examined for the environmental damage they have caused. In 2017, drone shots revealed a large “lake” in the size of a football stadium, which was filled with urine and faeces of pigs in the company's largest pig breeding facility. The film material, which Mark Devries has secretly recorded as part of his investigative documentary "Speciesism: The Movie", reveals the hard conditions under which pigs are raised together in long buildings and unable to move. The waste generated by these factory farms is disposed of by spraying into the air, which has a disadvantageous impact on the environment.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also charged Smithfield Foods for violations of the Clean Water Act. In 1997, the company was fined $ 12.6 million because it had initiated pagan River in Virginia. Despite these incidents, Smithfield claims that his practices correspond to the regulations and that his facilities are clean and well maintained.
social implications
The municipalities around the Smithfield factory farms are mostly families with low incomes that bear the main load of pollution and health risks associated with these practices. Dr. Steve Wing from the University of North Carolina explains that the drop in the air, which is sprayed into neighboring communities, can come and cause breathing problems and other health problems. Studies have found a higher rate of asthma and respiratory symptoms in children and adults who live near these facilities.
These communities often lack resources to defend themselves against a large company like Smithfield. They are forced to endure the unbearable smell and live with closed doors and windows to minimize the exposure to poison waste. The social injustice with which these communities are confronted lucens a light on the more comprehensive problem of environmental racism, in which marginalized population groups are disproportionately affected by pollution and environmental dangers. Class = "Ezoic-AD Ezoic-AT-0 Large-Leaderboard-2 Large-Leaderboard-2690 ADTester container ADTester-Container-690" Data-Ez-Name = "Healthy_Holistic_Living_Com-Large-Leaderboard-2">
economic effects and historical context
The takeover of Smithfield by WH Foods raises concerns about foreign control over a significant part of American food supply. Similar concerns arose in the 1980s when Japanese companies began to buy American companies, including the famous Rockefeller Center in New York. Critics argue that foreign property of critical industries can undermine national security and economic stability.
However, supporters of globalization indicate the economic advantages of foreign investments, including the creation of jobs and improved trading opportunities. In the case of Smithfield, the takeover of the company in the global market has expanded and provided a steady revenue flow from Chinese consumers.
The purchase of Smithfield Corporation by WH Foods has drawn attention to the ecological, social and economic effects of foreign property in the American food industry. The practices of factory farming Smithfield employees have caused considerable environmental damage and have a negative impact on the health and quality of life of the surrounding communities. These problems underline the need for increased regulation and supervision in order to protect both the environment and the well -being of those affected by the practices of the industry.
In addition, the takeover has aroused concerns about foreign control over critical industries in the United States. While foreign investments can bring economic advantages, it is important to carefully weigh these advantages against potential risks for national security and economic stability.
The Smithfield case serves as a warning example and illustrates the importance of transparency in the food industry and the need for a greater social responsibility of the companies. Consumers have power to demand changes through their purchase decisions by supporting companies that grant sustainable, ethical and environmentally friendly practices. Since awareness of the hidden costs of factory farming and foreign property grows, it is of crucial importance for political decision -makers and consumers to take measures to protect the environment, to ensure nutritional security and to promote social justice.
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