Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2021
HIP files patent ownership suit against Hormel
Lawsuit filed
HIP, Inc. filed a complaint against Hormel Foods Corporation seeking to correct the inventorship and ownership record for a patent covering a hybrid bacon cooking system. HIP alleged that Hormel was erroneously listed as the patent owner; the filing reports allegations, not a court determination.
Source excerpt
The plaintiff claimed that the current patent errs by listing four other inventors other than Howard, and that Hormel is “erroneously listed as the owner of record” of the patent because the method was invented, and first patented, by the plaintiff.
HIP, Inc., formerly known as Unitherm Foods Systems Inc., filed a complaint in the Delaware District Court on Thursday against Hormel Foods Corporation seeking to correct the invention and ownership of a patent for a hybrid bacon cooking system, U.S. Patent No. 9,980,498, or the ‘498 Patent.
2017
Animal-welfare allegations involving a pork supplier
Mercy For Animals released footage alleging painful procedures without anesthetic and inadequate care at a Hormel supplier. Hormel temporarily suspended purchases from the supplier.
2015
Animal-welfare allegations at a processing facility
An undercover investigation alleged mistreatment and poor conditions involving pigs at a Quality Pork Processors facility. Hormel announced additional humane-handling officers, training, oversight and third-party auditing.
2008
Animal-abuse allegations at an Iowa supplier farm
PETA released video alleging abuse of pigs at an Iowa factory farm connected to Hormel’s supply chain. Several workers were fired and six people faced charges, while Hormel described the conduct as unacceptable.
1986
Austin plant labor dispute
A strike by workers at Hormel’s Austin, Minnesota, plant during the 1980s became a prominent U.S. labor-relations controversy. The dispute involved wage and contract issues, the company’s use of replacement workers, union divisions, and the broader effects of restructuring in the meatpacking industry.
1985
Austin labor strike and boycott
Hormel workers struck over a proposed wage reduction and workplace concerns. The dispute lasted about ten months and divided the union movement while prompting a national consumer boycott.
1921
Embezzlement by an assistant controller
An assistant controller was found to have embezzled approximately $1.187 million over a decade. The episode encouraged the Hormel family to strengthen financial controls and professionalize management.