Tyson Removing Trans Fats

SPRINGDALE - Feb 3/04 - SNS -- Tyson Foods, Inc. has started removing trans fat ingredients from its fully-cooked retail and 'child nutrition' labeled school foodservice products.

The implementation started this week with Tyson-brand breaded chicken products, such as nuggets, patties and tenders, and is expected to be phased in over the next three months. Packages announcing the removal of trans fats will appear on supermarket shelves in late spring and early summer.

While Tyson chicken, beef and pork are naturally low in trans fat, the substance can be found in certain added ingredients, such as breading and cooking oils. Testing reveals there are no taste, texture or visual differences between the newly-formulated products and Tyson’s current products.

Tyson Foods is making the move in response to consumer interest in products with reduced trans fat content. According to Tyson Foods Chief Marketing Officer Bob Corscadden, "We know today’s consumers are more health-conscious than ever before, with increasing awareness of the nutritional composition of the food they eat. Our goal is to provide consumers with a wide array of food options, and the information to make choices that are appropriate to their own lifestyles."

"As America’s largest, most trusted producer of chicken, beef and pork, and other prepared food products, Tyson Foods takes a leadership role in powering healthy living," said Corscadden. "Tyson Foods promotes the well-balanced eating practices, moderation, and physical activity that power healthy lifestyles."

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