The Ethisphere Institute (www.ethisphere.com) has come out with its list of the 2008 World's Most Ethical Companies, with the announcement coming at the June 3 Forbes-Ethisphere Leadership Forum in New York City.

Food retailers making the list included Marks & Spencer, Target and Trader Joe's. Food and beverage manufacturers honored were General Mills, Kellogg Company, PepsiCo and Stonyfield Farm.  

Criteria included: corporate citizenship and resposibility (20%); legal, regulatory and reputation track record (20%); innovation that contributes to public well-being (15%); internal systems and ethics/compliance program (15%); executive leadership and tone from the top (15%); corporate governance (10%); and industry leadership (5%).

We were stunned not to find Refrigerated & Frozen Foods Retailer among the honorees in the "media and entertainment" category. Maybe next year...