SMITHFIELD, Va., April 10, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The FTSE Group, an award-winning global index company, has again named Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NYSE:SFD) to its prestigious FTSE4Good Index Series for companies demonstrating globally recognized corporate responsibility standards.

To qualify for the FTSE4Good Index Series, eligible companies must meet globally recognized corporate responsibility standards, including stringent environmental, social and governance criteria, and are therefore positioned to capitalize on the benefits of responsible business practices.

"We are proud to continue to be a member of the FTSE4GoodIndex which speaks to the hard work our employees dedicate to producing Good food. Responsibly. We will continue to invest in and grow our sustainability programs," said Dennis H. Treacy, Smithfield's executive vice president and chief sustainability officer.

"FTSE Group confirms that Smithfield Foods has been independently assessed according to the FTSE4Good criteria, and has satisfied the requirements to become a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index Series," the organization said.

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a $13 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Farmland®, Armour®, Cook's®, Gwaltney®, John Morrell®, Kretschmar®, Curly's®, Carando®, Margherita®, and Healthy Ones®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental, and food safety and quality programs.www.smithfieldfoods.com and www.smithfieldcommitments.com. 


CONTACT: Keira Lombardo

         Smithfield Foods, Inc.

         (757) 365-3050

         keiralombardo@smithfieldfoods.com

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