The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) has chosen Springdale, AR-based Tyson Foods, Inc.--one of the world’s largest meat processors--for its 2015 Black Pearl Award. The award will be presented at IAFP’s Annual Meeting in Portland, OR this summer.

The IAFP’s Black Pearl Award is given each year to “one company for its efforts in advancing food safety and quality through consumer programs, employee relations, educational activities, adherence standards, and support of the goals and objectives of IAFP.”

“Tyson Foods’ commitment to operating our business honorably extends beyond the products: to people, animals and the planet,” says Donnie Smith, Tyson President and CEO. “It’s important we make a difference by providing a hand up to those in need through disaster and hunger relief, and we fully respect the animals and environment entrusted to us.”

Tyson Foods’ business--along with the company’s 124,000 employees--is anchored by its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights. Not only has Tyson developed outstanding programs for food safety and quality assurance, they’ve also made a name for themselves as the “largest giver of meat-based protein to food banks in the U.S.,” Besides philanthropic efforts to help local communities, Tyson’s FarmCheck program is just one example of their commitment to responsible farm animal care. In April, Tyson announced plans to completely eliminate the use of human antibiotics from its chicken flocks by the end of September 2017.