SMITHFIELD, Va. — Smithfield Foods employees at the company's meat processing facilities and farms in North Carolina and Virginia have returned to work following Hurricane Irene.
Smithfield reported minor structural damage to some barns belonging to contract farmers in the two states, but all animals are continuing to receive regular food and water with onsite emergency generators. The company also said all of its environmental pollution-control systems are still in good working order.
"I am happy and greatly relieved to report that all of our employees are safe," said C. Larry Pope, Smithfield's president and CEO. "I also. . .

