RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The Humane Society of the United States has filed a complaint against Smithfield Foods, saying the world's largest pork producer continues to mistreat pigs despite a corporate push to convince consumers and shareholders it treats the animals well.
The animal rights organization filed the complaint with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday.
The organization also criticizes McDonald's for buying pork from the company, which confines breeding sows in gestation crates that McDonald's has said are not best for the animals.
Federal securities law prohibits companies from making false or misleading statements. The Humane Society claims Smithfield's claims in videos and a new corporate responsibility website falsely inflate the company's animal welfare and environmental standards.
A Smithfield spokeswoman did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
