Committed to Responsible Use of Antibiotics

Since 2002, Smithfield Foods has adhered to a comprehensive Antibiotic Usage Policy that details the full extent of our commitment to responsible antibiotics use.

This policy clearly states that we do not use antibiotics to promote animal growth and that our company and contract farmers use antibiotics only to treat sick or injured animals and to prevent disease.

In 2005 we also formed an innovative partnership with foodservice giant Compass Group North America and the nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund to actively promote responsible antibiotics use in mainstream pork production.

Murphy-Brown, LLC Antibiotic Usage Policy

Compliance with applicable laws, regulations and other requirements to which Murphy-Brown subscribes is the responsibility of every Murphy-Brown associate. The antibiotic usage policy refers to all employees responsible for dispensing, delivering and administering antibiotics.

Murphy-Brown's antibiotic usage policy calls for the following:

  • The responsible use of therapeutic antibiotics for the specific purpose of treating animals with disease or illness.
  • The responsible use of preventative antibiotics to help prevent the spread or onset of a disease or illness with proper diagnostic confirmation.
  • Adherence to all applicable laws including the Food and Drug Administration's Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act regarding any extra-label drug use.
  • No routine administration of antibiotics used in human medicine to healthy animals. For purposes of this policy, "routine" means consistent use of an antibiotic in the context of an individual animal over its entire life.
  • Strict or extended adherence to all antibiotic withdrawal timelines established by the FDA and the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank.
  • No consistent use of feed-grade antimicrobials of human health significance over the life of a healthy animal. Use of particular antimicrobials as additives in feeds will be reviewed at least quarterly by a veterinarian and will be adjusted as appropriate, depending on disease prevention and control needs.
  • Antibiotics used and antibiotic administration practices to be approved by licensed professional veterinarians.

Adherence to the principles of this policy is a responsibility and requirement of those who interact with the animals owned or managed by Murphy-Brown. Improper acquisition or usage of antibiotics will result in a minimum of a final written warning. Willful neglect or abuse of animals will not be tolerated and will result in immediate disciplinary action up to and including termination or prosecution.