Smithfield Foods Inc. announced this week the launch of an antibiotic-free line of fresh pork products under its Pure Farms brand. The Pure Farms product line meets the highest level of U.S. Department of Agriculture standards, with minimal processing and no antibiotics, steroids, hormones or artificial ingredients, the company said, adding that the products will be available in fresh pork cuts, ham cuts and packaged pork cuts such as breakfast sausage and bacon in both retail stores and foodservice beginning this month.

"The Pure Farms brand is ideal for families looking to enjoy the highest-quality, antibiotic-free pork," Ken Sullivan, Smithfield president and chief executive officer, said. "We're proud to provide our customers and consumers with a broader range of products to meet a variety of needs and preferences, including antibiotic free."

As the only company in the industry to report antibiotic usage since 2007, Smithfield said the new product line “further affirms Smithfield's continued leadership of practices that uphold highest standards of transparency and strengthen consumer trust.”

Smithfield also recently refined its definition of "prevention" related to antibiotic use in farm animals in order to provide a practical explanation to consumers and customers that offers greater clarity. These efforts are driven by an internal antibiotics task force, which supports Smithfield's commitment to industry-leading antibiotic initiatives.

"This new line from Pure Farms reflects Smithfield's continued commitment to meeting the needs of all consumers with good food that is made the right way," said Stewart Leeth, vice president of regulatory affairs and chief sustainability officer for Smithfield. "This commitment led to the creation of this new line and other bold steps we continue to take to ensure our products exceed our customers' and consumers' expectations."