OAK BROOK Ill. McDonald’s USA launched its inaugural Sustainability Award when it honored Smithfield Foods Inc., at its 2008 Supplier Summit here. —
The Sustainability Award, which McDonald’s says will become an annual honor, recognizes a company supplier that exemplifies the McDonald’s vision, principles and values for sustainable supply. —
McDonald’s requested that suppliers nominate themselves and explain their vision, programs and results in creating and promoting a sustainable supply chain. Each supplier also was asked to list in detail the practices that ensure the health and welfare of its workers, the welfare and humane treatment of animals, and programs that minimize effects on the environment and conserve and protect natural resources. —
Susan Forsell, McDonald’s USA vice president of supply chain and quality systems, said Smithfield “deserves to be recognized for their innovative approaches to protect the environment, to ensure the safety of their employees, the well-being of animals, the quality of products, and to promoting education in the communities they serve.” —
C. Larry Pope, president and chief executive of Smithfield Foods, said: “We are absolutely honored to be recognized by McDonald’s for our company’s sustainability achievements. The credit has to go to our employees, who exemplify every day our deeply held belief that it’s not enough to simply make good food—we must make it in a responsible manner.” —
Smithfield Foods, which is based in Smithfield, Va., is a processor and marketer of fresh pork and packaged meats in the United States. —