Home Business Smithfield Foods Sale Under Scrutiny By FDA

Smithfield Foods Sale Under Scrutiny By FDA

When you purchase through our sponsored links, we may earn a commission. By using this website you agree to our T&Cs.

Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NYSE:SFD)’s proposed sale to Chinese-holding company Shuanghui International Holdings Ltd is going to be reviewed through additional regulators.

Smithfield Foods Sale Under Scrutiny By FDA

A group of 15 senators have urged the Treasury Department on Thursday to include the Agriculture Department and the Food and Drug Administration to strengthen the review of the $4.7 billion sale.

Smithfield – The World’s Largest Pork Producer

The fifteen senators raised questions about the government’s oversight of the proposed sale of the world’s largest pork producer and processor to the Chinese-holding company.

The proposed sale is already being reviewed by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. The CFIUS committee’s purpose is to ensure investment by a foreign entity doesn’t pose risk to American security. The senators urged that the other two departments be included in the CFIUS process to properly address food supply and food safety issues.

Starboard Urged Smithfield to Breakup

Earlier, activist investment fund Starboard Value L.P. urged Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NYSE:SFD) to ditch its deal with Shuanghui International Holdings Ltd, as the activist investment fund considers the U.S. company worth more if the company were broken up into three divisions. Starboard Value LP proposed division of Smithfield Foods into U.S. pork production, hog farming and international sales of fresh and packaged meats.

The Chinese company inked a deal in May to buy Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NYSE:SFD) for $4.7 billion or $34 per share.

Food Supply a Matter of National Security

The letter to the Treasury Department was signed by most members of the Senate Agriculture Committee. The letter highlights growing concerns to the proposed sale to the China’s biggest meat processors.

The letter termed food supply as a ‘critical infrastructure’ and a matter of national security. The senators also indicated that the proposed sale raises new questions about future foreign acquisitions of the U.S. food companies.

The senators also urged that the review of the sale transaction be looked as a broader issue of food security, food safety and biosecurity.

Our Editorial Standards

At ValueWalk, we’re committed to providing accurate, research-backed information. Our editors go above and beyond to ensure our content is trustworthy and transparent.

Mani
Editor

Want Financial Guidance Sent Straight to You?

  • Pop your email in the box, and you'll receive bi-weekly emails from ValueWalk.
  • We never send spam — only the latest financial news and guides to help you take charge of your financial future.