Corporate Responsibility magazine's annual list of “100 Best Corporate Citizens” included several key players in the meat and poultry processing industries. Companies on the list were graded by a variety of factors, including Environment, Climate Change, Human Rights, Employee Relations, Philanthropy and Corporate Governance.

Sara Lee Corp. was the highest-ranking meat processor on the list, coming in at #11. Others on this year's list include Hormel Foods Corp. (#19) and Tyson Foods Inc. (#90). Hormel was recognized for the fourth straight year, as the company moved up 11 places on this year's list.

“We are honored to receive this recognition as the result of our long-standing commitment to corporate responsibility,” said Julie H. Craven, vice president of corporate communications at Hormel Foods. “We regard our corporate responsibility initiatives as a collaborative effort, representing the company’s accomplishments in the areas of people, process, performance, products and philanthropy.”

“We’re pleased to be recognized for our corporate citizenship and believe this ranking reflects our efforts to do the right thing in every aspect of our business,” said Kevin Igli, senior vice president and chief environmental, health and safety officer for Tyson Foods. “In addition to operating our company responsibly, we also remain committed to such important endeavors as hunger and disaster relief, supporting the U.S. military and being active in our plant communities.”

Source: CR Magazine, Tyson Foods Inc., Hormel Foods Corp.