COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

9 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2016

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

21. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

As part of our ongoing operations in the food processing industry, we are subject to various claims and contingencies arising in the normal course of business, including, but not limited to, governmental investigations and proceedings, product liability as well as matters related to employees, safety, health, antitrust laws, taxes, commercial activities and the environment. In particular, we are subject to extensive federal, state, and local regulations, and our food processing facilities and food products are subject to frequent inspection, audits and inquiries by the USDA, the FDA, and various local health and agricultural agencies. We are also subject to federal, state, and local agencies responsible for the enforcement of environmental, labor, and other laws and regulations. In addition, we are involved in various legal actions arising in the normal course of business.

Any litigation-related matters are subject to uncertainties and the outcomes are generally not predictable. Consequently, an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss associated with these actions cannot be made. Certain litigation matters could be decided unfavorably against us and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Claims, including product and general liability, workers’ compensation, auto liability and employment related matters have deductibles and self-insured retentions in the United States ranging from zero to $2.0 million per occurrence or per claim, depending on type of coverage and policy period.  For international claims, deductibles and self-insured retentions are lower.  We are also generally self-insured up to certain stop-loss limits for certain employee health benefits, including medical, drug and dental.  We estimate reserves based upon a number of factors, including known claims, estimated incurred but not reported claims using third-party actuarial data, which is based on historical information as well as certain assumptions about future events. We classify estimated reserves in accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We evaluate contingencies based on the best available information and believe we have recorded appropriate liabilities to the extent necessary in cases where the outcome of such liabilities is considered probable and reasonably estimable. We also believe that our assessment of contingencies is reasonable. To the extent that resolution of contingencies results in amounts that vary from managements’ estimates, future earnings will be charged or credited accordingly.