In Romania, the Local Veterinary Directorate (DSV) inspects each farm at least twice annually, under the supervision of the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority. Additional random inspections by the DSV also take place throughout the year. These external audits verify compliance with Romanian laws on animal care and biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of diseases. We also conduct our own twice-yearly internal audits of our Smithfield Ferme operations to verify compliance with animal care procedures and appropriate employee training.
In 2010, our Romanian farms and feed mills were inspected 153 times by the DSV with no penalties or findings of noncompliance.
In Poland, animal care issues are regulated and overseen by Polish veterinary law; government veterinarians inspect our farms frequently. In 2010, there were no penalties or findings of noncompliance. In addition, specially trained internal auditors audit our facilities at least once a year, evaluating animal care issues, employee training programs, and transportation systems via internal farm audits at least once a year. Violations are subject to immediate corrective action.
