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Is Hormel Bacon from China? Busting the Big Myth!

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The largest pork producer in America is owned by a Chinese company, and a lot of people don’t like that. Critics of the corporate acquisition that took place in 2013 argued that Smithfield Foods’ Chinese ownership was a national security threat. Now, a political action committee is building on that sentiment — warning that Congress is being lobbied by Smithfield and other pork industry groups to slip language into the Farm Bill to gut the animal welfare protections of California’s Proposition 12. If successful, the PAC argues, this Smithfield-supported reversal of Prop 12 could multiply the threat to national security even more. But there are other major problems with the company that long predate any Chinese involvement.

“I hope that everyone will really wake up and realize what a tremendous threat it is right now in 2025 for us,” Marty Irby, the head of Competitive Markets Action, a political action committee devoted to defeating the EATS Act, tells Sentient. Proposed in 2023, the EATS Act contains language that pork industry trade groups are urging Congress to include in the Farm Bill. “It’s very serious, and it’s not something to take lightly,” says Irby, who has previously been a lobbyist for the Humane Society Legislative Fund.

Hey there, bacon lovers! If you’ve ever found yerself munchin’ on a crispy strip of Hormel bacon and wondered, “Wait a sec, is this stuff comin’ from China?”—you ain’t alone With all the chatter ‘bout global food production and big brands goin’ international, it’s easy to get a bit paranoid ‘bout where your breakfast is really from So, let’s cut straight to the chase Hormel bacon sold in the United States is not from China. It’s made right here in the good ol’ USA, and we’re gonna unpack why that’s the case, why there’s so much confusion, and how you can be darn sure of what you’re eatin’.

At Hormel they’ve been slingin’ bacon for over a hundred years and they’ve built a rep as an all-American brand. But with factories poppin’ up overseas, folks are startin’ to question things. Don’t worry, though—I’ve dug into the nitty-gritty so we can clear the air once and for all. Let’s dive into where Hormel bacon really comes from, how their global gig works, and why you can trust that package in your fridge.

The Straight-Up Answer: Hormel Bacon’s American Roots

Before we get into the weeds let’s nail down the biggie Hormel bacon you buy at your local grocery store in the States is produced and packaged right here in America. Hormel themselves have made it crystal clear that any of their products sold in the U.S. are made domestically unless the label says otherwise. Check that pack of Black Label bacon next time you’re at the store—you’ll see “Made in USA” or “Product of USA” stamped on there often with a shout-out to their headquarters in Austin, Minnesota.

Hormel gets their hogs for bacon from over 500 independent family farmers across the Midwest, plus a company-owned farm out in Colorado. These ain’t just random suppliers; many of these farms have been workin’ with Hormel for generations. So, when you’re fryin’ up that sizzlin’ goodness, you’re supportin’ American farmers, not some far-off operation.

Why’s Everyone Thinkin’ Hormel Bacon’s from China?

Now, if Hormel bacon is so American, why the heck are peeps whisperin’ ‘bout China? Well, it ain’t just wild rumors—there’s a few legit reasons why folks get mixed up. Let’s break it down with some real talk:

  • Global Food Systems Are Messy: These days, ingredients and stuff get shipped all over the dang world. Supply chains are like a giant spider web, so it’s easy to assume everything’s comin’ from overseas, even when it ain’t.
  • Hormel’s Got International Vibes: Yup, Hormel does have operations in places like China and Brazil. They’ve got processing plants there, and in China, they’ve even partnered up with a local group since 2015. But here’s the kicker—these facilities are makin’ products for those local markets, not for shippin’ back to the U.S.
  • Label Misreads: Some folks see “Product of USA” and think it just means the bacon got slapped in a package here. Nah, it means the whole shebang—production and all—happened in America. Still, that misunderstanding fuels the gossip.
  • Fear of the Foreign: Let’s be real, there’s a bit of skepticism out there ‘bout foreign-sourced food. Some unfounded chatter plays into myths ‘bout American brands sneakin’ stuff in from abroad, even when there’s no proof.

So, while Hormel’s got a global footprint, that don’t mean your bacon’s takin’ a boat ride from China. Their U.S. products stay homegrown, and that’s the tea.

Hormel’s Global Game: What’s Really Goin’ On?

Since we’re talkin’ ‘bout Hormel’s international side, let’s peep what they’re actually doin’ outside the States. Hormel runs facilities in Brazil and China, but these plants are all ‘bout servin’ up goods for folks in those countries. In China, for instance, they’ve got a joint venture crankin’ out stuff like SPAM under local brand names for Asian markets. Same deal in Brazil—those products are for Brazilian eaters, not for exportin’ to your Walmart.

Hormel also does some partnerships and agreements worldwide to make branded items for other international spots. But again, their focus for U.S. shelves is keepin’ it domestic. They’ve even got plans to open a fancy research center in China for cool food ideas in the Asia-Pacific area, but that’s still not ‘bout shippin’ bacon to us. Their strategy is clear: make stuff where it’s gonna be eaten, and keep American bacon American.

How Hormel Makes Their Bacon: A Peek Behind the Scenes

Wanna know how that Hormel bacon gets from farm to your plate? I’m gonna spill the deets on their process, ‘cause it’s kinda neat (and it shows just how much care goes into it). Here’s the lowdown:

  1. Pickin’ the Best Hogs: Hormel starts by sourcin’ hogs from those Midwest family farms I mentioned. They’re super picky ‘bout quality—only the best bellies make the cut.
  2. Trimmin’ and Curin’: These bellies get hand-trimmed for special cuts, then injected with a mix of water and other stuff to cure ‘em. After that, they’re tumbled with salt and sugar to get that flavor just right.
  3. Chillin’ and Shapin’: The cured bellies get cooled down, molded into shape, and frozen up to make slicin’ a breeze.
  4. Slicin’ and Cookin’: Once they’re nice and firm, they’re sliced into those perfect strips and cooked to perfection before packagin’.

Hormel’s got a bunch of bacon brands under their belt, like the iconic Black Label, Natural Choice (which skips artificial junk), and even Jennie-O turkey bacon for somethin’ different. They’re all about givin’ us options—thick cut, low salt, uncured, you name it. And for the U.S. market, all this happens stateside.

How Can Ya Be Sure Your Bacon’s American-Made?

Even with all this info, I get it—you might still wanna double-check where your bacon’s comin’ from. With globalization makin’ things murky, it’s smart to be a lil’ cautious. Here’s some tips to make sure you’re gettin’ U.S.-made Hormel bacon:

  • Scope Out the Package: Look for “Made in USA” or “Product of USA” on the label. That’s your first clue it’s domestic.
  • Check for Certs: Some certifications, like American Grassfed, mean the hogs were born, raised, and processed here. That’s a solid guarantee.
  • Hit Up Hormel: If you’re really unsure, shoot their customer service a message or call. They’re usually happy to chat ‘bout sourcin’.
  • Go Local When Ya Can: Buyin’ from farmers’ markets or butchers gives you direct insight into where your meat’s from. It’s like cuttin’ out the middleman.
  • Trust the Brand Rep: Hormel’s been around forever, and they’ve got a lotta skin in the game to keep their U.S. products legit. A quick peek at their history and statements can ease your mind.

With a bit of eyeballin’ and trust, you can feel good ‘bout that bacon sizzlin’ in your pan.

Why Hormel’s Gotta Keep It Real

Let’s think ‘bout this from Hormel’s side for a sec. They’ve been in the biz for over 128 years, headquartered in Minnesota, and they’re bankin’ on bein’ seen as a true-blue American brand. Why would they risk that by outsourcin’ somethin’ as iconic as bacon? It just don’t make sense. Here’s why they’re stickin’ to domestic production for U.S. markets:

  • Reputation Is Everything: Hormel knows peeps pay a premium for their bacon ‘cause it’s trusted. Messin’ with that by shippin’ in foreign stuff would tank their cred faster than you can say “pancakes.”
  • Legal Stuff Matters: There’s strict rules ‘bout labelin’ in the U.S. If they claim “Made in USA” and it ain’t true, they’re in hot water—legally and with PR nightmares.
  • Consumer Loyalty: They’ve got fans who’ve been buyin’ their stuff for decades. Keepin’ bacon American-made keeps those folks comin’ back for more.

In a world where food companies are fightin’ for your dollar, Hormel ain’t gonna play fast and loose with their bacon’s origins. They’ve got too much to lose.

Busting More Myths: What Else Ya Might’ve Heard

There’s a lotta noise out there ‘bout Hormel and their products, so let’s tackle a couple more myths while we’re at it. You might’ve heard some weird stuff, and I’m here to set the record straight.

  • “Hormel’s Owned by China!” Nah, that’s bunk. Hormel is an American company, based in Minnesota. They’ve got partnerships overseas, sure, but they ain’t owned by foreign entities. They’re still flyin’ the stars and stripes.
  • “Their Ingredients Are All Imported!” Not for U.S. bacon. While some products might have bits sourced globally for international markets, the hogs for your bacon come from American soil, as do the processin’ steps.
  • “You Can’t Trust Big Brands!” I get the skepticism, but Hormel’s got a long history of quality control. They’ve got teams makin’ sure every slice meets high standards, ‘cause their name’s on the line.

Don’t let the rumor mill get ya twisted. Stick to the facts, and you’ll see Hormel’s keepin’ it real for their American customers.

Why This Matters to Us Bacon Fans

So, why should we care where our Hormel bacon comes from? Well, for one, it’s ‘bout knowin’ what we’re puttin’ in our bodies. Food safety and quality are huge, and buyin’ American-made often feels like a safer bet for a lotta folks. Plus, supportin’ local farmers and businesses is a win—those Midwest hog farms are part of our economy, and Hormel’s helpin’ keep ‘em goin’.

It’s also ‘bout trust. We wanna believe that when a brand like Hormel says their bacon’s made here, they mean it. In a world where stuff gets shipped from everywhere, havin’ that confidence in a staple like bacon is a big deal. And hey, if you’re like me, you just wanna enjoy your breakfast without wonderin’ if it took a world tour to get to your plate!

Wrappin’ It Up: Hormel Bacon Stays Home

Alright, let’s tie this up with a bow. Hormel bacon sold in the United States is made in the United States—full stop. From the hogs raised on Midwest farms to the processin’ plants right here on American soil, Hormel’s keepin’ their bacon close to home for us. Yeah, they’ve got operations in places like China and Brazil, but those are for local folks over there, not for shippin’ back to your supermarket.

The confusion comes from how crazy global food systems are, plus a lil’ bit of misreadin’ labels and old-school rumors. But with clear packagin’, a solid rep, and a commitment to quality, Hormel’s doin’ their part to keep us in the know. So next time you’re tossin’ some of their bacon in the skillet, rest easy—it ain’t traveled halfway ‘round the world to get to ya.

Got more questions ‘bout Hormel or wanna chat bacon recipes? Drop a comment below—I’m all ears! Let’s keep this convo sizzlin’.

is hormel bacon from china

Why Do People Object to Chinese Ownership of Smithfield?

While Smithfield’s Chinese ownership has drawn controversy for a number of reasons, most criticism focuses on two topics: national security and American workers.

After purchasing Smithfield in 2013, WH Group owned one-in-four pigs raised in the U.S., according to a 2015 report. Many fear that giving a foreign company this much control over America’s food supply poses a national security risk, as it could imperil Americans’ access to domestically produced food.

“If we get into some sort of world disaster, or a situation where there’s [food] scarcity — it could even be another COVID-19 — where do you think China’s going to send their pork? They’re going to send it back to China,” Irby says. “I think that’s very detrimental to our own population, as far as having the affordable food that we need to put on the table out there in times of crisis.”

At least one agricultural economist disagrees, however. “Chinese ownership of agricultural land does not threaten our ability to produce food,” agricultural economist David Ortega wrote in an op-ed at The Hill in 2024. “Food insecurity arises in our country not because of production deficits, but because of issues of affordability and access facing consumers.” The U.S. is the third-largest pork producer in the world, and already exports around one-third of the pork it produces domestically. In an emergency situation, the federal government could simply put a temporary ban on pork exports, which would immediately increase the domestic supply of pork for Americans.

Irby also argues that American farmers suffer due to Smithfield’s Chinese ownership, as the company’s profits no longer flow to Americans. “We have American-owned companies and American producers that are out there that are struggling,” Irby says. “You’re seeing Smithfield and China now making the profits, and the American family farmer breaking even.”

There’s no question that small farms in America have been on the decline for some time now. The agricultural sector is highly concentrated, with the bulk of the profits going to a handful of large producers, and this trend has worsened over time.

Smithfield’s Chinese Ownership, Explained

Founded in Virginia in 1936 as a meatpacking company, Smithfield Foods steadily grew over the decades to become one of the biggest meat producers in the country. But in 2013, WH Group, formerly known as Shuanghui International Holding Limited, one of China’s largest meat producers, purchased Smithfield outright for $4.7 billion.

It was the largest-ever Chinese acquisition of an American company, and was highly controversial in America. The central concern among critics has remained largely the same in the years since: that giving China control over such a huge chunk of America’s pork supply represented a threat to American food security.

But what exactly does it mean to say that “China owns Smithfield?” Does the Chinese government itself run the company, as many critics have alleged, or is it just private citizens and businesspeople?

The answer isn’t straightforward. On the one hand, WH Group is a private company that’s traded on the Hong Kong stock exchange. Smithfield CEO Larry Pope testified to Congress in 2013 that WH Group was not managed or run by the Chinese government, and Smithfield itself is still managed by American executives.

But according to a 2015 investigation by the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR), WH Group does not operate independently from the Chinese government — at least, not entirely.

To begin with, the state-owned Bank of China facilitated the Smithfield purchase by giving WH Group a $4 billion loan. And although the company operates with a large degree of autonomy, it’s still required to adhere to the general goals outlined in the Chinese government’s five-year plan, and is expected to follow any directives it receives from the government to that effect.

To be sure, this isn’t specific to WH Group. The Chinese government is closely involved with all of its domestic industries, and regularly plays an active role in the running of private enterprises. The real question, at least insofar as Smithfield goes, is what this means for Americans — and Americans’ food supply.

Hormel Bacon in the Factory: How It’s Made | Top Discovery 4K

FAQ

Does hormel bacon come from China?

Products sold in the United States by Hormel Foods are produced and packaged in the United States unless specified otherwise on the label. Hormel Foods operates processing facilities in China and Brazil. Any products made at those facilities are produced for Chinese and Brazilian consumers.

Is hormel pork processed in China?

Hormel’s products are exported to more than 60 countries on five continents and entered China in the 1990s, with joint ventures and meat processing plants in Shanghai and Beijing.

Where does Hormel get their meat from in the USA?

Hormel Foods sources hogs from more than 250 independent producers, the majority of which are family farms across the U.S. Midwest and many of them have been our suppliers for multiple generations. As a purchaser of animal products, we recognize and value the impact of our supply chain on the planet and society.

Is Skippy owned by China?

Skippy was originally an American brand created by Joseph L. Rosefield in 1932 and is now owned by Hormel Foods, also based in the USA.

Where are Hormel products made?

Products sold in the United States by Hormel Foods are produced and packaged in the United States unless specified otherwise on the label. Hormel Foods operates processing facilities in China and Brazil. Any products made at those facilities are produced for Chinese and Brazilian consumers.

What kind of bacon does Hormel sell?

Here’s the thing about Hormel: The company sells a lot of different varieties of bacon. There’s Black Label Original and Black Label Thick Cut, along with other offerings like Cherrywood, Applewood, Maple Black Pepper, Brown Sugar, Jalapeño, Country Style, Ranch Style, and Center Cut.

What does Hormel Foods do?

Hormel Foods has minority positions in joint ventures and royalty agreements to produce branded products for consumers in international markets. The company also exports products made at production facilities throughout the United States to help feed consumers around the world. Need Something Else?

Is Hormel ® Bacon 1 cooked?

Hormel ® Bacon 1 gives you flavor, appearance, and texture that’s indistinguishable from cooked when compared side-by-side with raw bacon. Top quality, flavor, and performance are essential for delivering an unforgettable experience to your guests.

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