DeLauro Calls for Comprehensive Review of Shuanghui International Holdings-Smithfield Foods Deal

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) todaycalled for a comprehensive review of the pending purchase of Smithfield Foodsby Shuanghui International. DeLauro ensured the Financial ServicesAppropriations bill approved by the House of Representatives AppropriationsCommittee requires the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States(CIFIUS) to consider food safety, food security and intellectual propertyconcerns in its review of the proposed Smithfield-Shuanghui deal. Her proposalhas bipartisan support, including the backing of Appropriations Committeemember Frank Wolf (R-VA).

"Smithfield's potential acquisition by a Chinese companyraises important questions about intellectual property rights, food safety andpublic health, among other issues. Public officials have a responsibility toprotect American consumers and businesses. That includes ensuring a faireconomic playing field and the safety and security of our food supply. TheTreasury-led Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States needs toensure that proper regulatory oversight is undertaken as it considers thishistoric potential deal."

The language, included in the bill passed by the HouseAppropriations Committee today reads in part: "The Committee is concerned aboutthe ramifications of the Shuanghui International Holdings Ltd. potentialacquisition of Smithfield Foods. The Committee believes that technologytransfer, food safety, and food security issues are concerns that should beconsidered in any Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS)review of the acquisition."