Look for Sequenom, Inc. (NASDAQ: SQNM) to be smacked hard by selling pressure today. Late Wednesday, the company reported that improper handling of research and development test data and results by its employees has delayed the launch of its Down's Syndrome test. Sequenom said it's forming a special committee to investigate employee activity related to the tainted test data.

The company's SEQureDx tests the DNA of a fetus, via the mother's blood, in order to determine whether their blood groups are compatible. Although Sequenom can no longer rely on previously announced test data and results, Chief Executive Harry Stylli asserted, "We are not back at square one" on a conference call.

Shares of Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) are on the upswing today, after the packaged-foods firm exceeded analysts' first-quarter earnings expectations. The company's upside surprise is partially attributable to strong sales of its infamous canned meat, Spam, which successfully lured in cost-conscious consumers.

During the recently concluded quarter, HRL banked a profit of $81.4 million, or 60 cents per share. That's an 8% slide from the same quarter last year, but analysts were expecting a profit of just 51 cents per share. Net sales rose 4% to $1.69 billion, with strong results for Dinty Moore stews, Hormel chili, and the aforementioned Spam.