Hormel, Maschhoffs launch probes after hog farm video release

An investigation is already under way after this morning’s release of an undercover video from the activist group Mercy for Animals alleging abuse at a pig farm that supplies Hormel Foods Corp. The Maschhoffs LLC – one of the nation’s largest pork producers – announced on the company’s website that it is looking into “any animal care deficiencies” in light of the video, which the group said was filmed at a farm in Oklahoma. According to Mercy for Animals, the video shows animals being mistreated.   “The Maschhoffs has a zero-tolerance policy for any abuse or mistreatment of its pigs,” the company said in a statement. The company added that it is reinforcing the animal care policy with its employees and production partners, in addition to making sure that “every farm manager” reviews the video and “fully understands the responsibility that comes with proper animal care.” For its part, Hormel released a statement suspending all of the Oklahoma sow operations of the Maschhoffs.