January 15/Smithfield, Va./PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In response to the Federal Drug Administration's announcement today that meat products from cloned animals are safe for human consumption, Smithfield Foods, Inc. reiterated earlier statements that the company is not planning to produce meat products from cloned animals. "The science involved in cloning animals is relatively new," the statement noted. "As thoughtful leaders in our industry, we will continue to monitor further scientific research on this technology.

"Throughout our long history, we have been very diligent and measured in making decisions that affect our customers and our reputation. We are committed to maintaining our focus on the development and improvement of our meat products through careful selective breeding and genetic research."

From the January 21, 2008, Prepared Foods e-Flash