Smithfield Death Star is a term some animal rights activists use to criticize Smithfield Foods, a pork producer and food-processing company based in Smithfield, Virginia. Smithfield Foods is the world’s biggest pork producer, responsible for the slaughter of nearly 30 million pigs every year. The company has been accused of animal cruelty, environmental pollution, worker exploitation, and public health risks by various groups and individuals. Today, we will know in detail; about the Smithfield Death Star.
Smithfield Death Star:
One of the main criticisms against Smithfield Foods is its use of gestation crates. These metal cages confine pregnant pigs in a small space that they cannot turn around, lie comfortably, or engage in natural behaviors. Animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, scientists, and consumers widely condemn gestation crates as cruel. Smithfield Foods had pledged to phase out gestation crates by 2017 but later reneged on its promise, citing economic and logistical challenges.
Smithfield Foods has faced criticism for its impact on the environment and the communities in which it operates. The company produces massive animal waste, often stored in open-air lagoons or sprayed onto fields as fertilizer. It can contaminate the water, soil, and air with harmful pollutants, such as ammonia, methane, nitrate, pathogens, and antibiotics. The people living near Smithfield’s facilities have reported health problems, such as respiratory infections, asthma, headaches, nausea, and skin rashes. They have also complained of foul odors, flies, noise, and reduced property values.
A third criticism against Smithfield Foods is its treatment of its workers and consumers. They got accused of violating labor rights, such as paying low wages, denying benefits, discouraging unionization, and exposing workers to unsafe and unsanitary conditions. There have been various incidents where they were found to be involved in food safety scandals, including selling meat that was contaminated, tampering with the expiry dates, and neglecting to recall products that were contaminated. Some have criticized the company for adding to worldwide health concerns like antibiotic resistance, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease due to their production and promotion of unhealthy meat products.
Smithfield Death Star Hot Dog Eating Contest:
The hot dog eating contest is an annual event on July 4th at Nathan’s Famous restaurant in Coney Island, New York. The competition involves participants attempting to feast on as many hot dogs as they can in a 10-minute timeframe. The contest has been held since 1972 and has gained popularity and media attention. Some of the most famous competitors are Joey Chestnut, who holds the men’s record of 76 hot dogs and buns, and Miki Sudo, who holds the women’s record of 48.5 hot dogs and buns.
The Smithfield death star incident was a protest during the 2022 hot dog eating contest. Three animal rights activists stormed the stage and held signs saying, “Expose Smithfield Deathstar”. They were wearing Darth Vader masks and referring to Smithfield Foods, a pork producer and food-processing company accused of animal cruelty, environmental pollution, worker exploitation, and public health risks by various groups and individuals. The security guards acted swiftly and apprehended the protesters. The incident did not affect the contest outcome, which Joey Chestnut won for the 15th time.
Why did the Protest Happen?
The Protest was inspired by an operation by Direct Action Everywhere (DxE). This animal rights group infiltrated a Smithfield farm in Utah in 2017 to document the conditions of the pigs. The group called the farm a “death star”, referencing the Star Wars franchise. The group claimed that they found pigs living in filth, suffering from diseases and injuries, and being abused by workers.
The Protest aimed to increase awareness about the situation of pigs and encourage individuals to refrain from consuming meat. The protesters also wanted to expose the hypocrisy of Smithfield Foods, which had pledged to phase out gestation crates. These metal cages confine pregnant pigs in a small space that they cannot turn around, lie comfortably, or engage in natural behaviors. Gestation crates are widely condemned as inhumane by animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, scientists, and consumers. Smithfield Foods had reneged on its promise, citing economic and logistical challenges.
The Protest received mixed reactions from the public. Some people supported the protesters and their cause, while others criticized them for disrupting the contest and disrespecting the contestants. Some people also questioned the effectiveness of the Protest and its message.
Defense From Smithfield:
In response to these criticisms, Smithfield Foods has defended its practices and reputation by claiming that it follows high standards of animal care, environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and food quality. The company has also invested in research and innovation to improve its efficiency and sustainability. The company has also engaged in philanthropy and community outreach to support various causes and organizations.
However, these claims and actions have not satisfied or silenced the critics of Smithfield Foods. Some have resorted to direct action and protest to expose and challenge the company’s practices.
Response From Smithfield Foods:
Smithfield Foods is a company that produces and processes pork products. It has faced several protests from different groups and individuals criticizing its practices regarding animal welfare, environmental impact, worker rights, and food safety. Smithfield Foods has responded to these protests in various ways, such as:
Defending its practices and reputation by claiming it follows high-quality standards, responsibility, and sustainability.
Investing in research and innovation to improve its efficiency and performance.
Engaging in philanthropy and community outreach to support various causes and organizations.
Partnering with workforce development boards and other employers to assist the impacted employees with job transitions.
Offering severance packages and relocation opportunities to the affected workers.
However, these responses have not satisfied or silenced the critics of Smithfield Foods. Some have continued to sue, expose, or challenge the company’s practices through legal investigations or direct actions. The conflict between Smithfield Foods and its protesters seems ongoing and unresolved.
Smithfield Foods Products:
Bacon: Smithfield offers a variety of bacon products, such as hickory smoked, applewood smoked, cherrywood smoked, maple, and peppered. For convenience, they also have bacon bits, bacon jerky, and ready-to-eat bacon.
Ham: Smithfield is famous for its hams, which are available in different cuts, sizes, and flavors. They have spiral-sliced hams, bone-in hams, boneless hams, ham steaks, and ham slices. They also have specialty hams, such as country ham, prosciutto, and serrano.
Sausage: Smithfield has a wide range of sausage products, including breakfast sausage, bratwurst, kielbasa, chorizo, andouille, and Italian sausage. They have sausage patties, links, ropes, and crumbles. They also have fully cooked sausage for quick meals.
Lunch Meat: Smithfield has meat products for sandwiches and salads, such as ham, turkey, chicken, roast beef, salami, bologna, and pepperoni. They have sliced and shaved varieties and deli-style and natural choices.
Snacking: Smithfield has snacking products for meat lovers, such as power bites, sausage poppers, cheese bites, and meat sticks. They are high in protein and low in carbs.
Conclusion:
The Smithfield Death Star incident was one of the many examples of how food can be a source of entertainment, controversy, and activism in our society. Some enjoy watching or participating in eating competitions, while others use them to express their views on animal welfare, environmental issues, or social justice. What do you think about these events? Do you have a favorite food you like eating or watching others eat?