FAQs

Common Topics

Choose a topic below for a list of recommended links. If you do not see the answer to your question, please fill out the contact form below the links for further assistance. 

How do I cook this whole chicken?

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Season to taste. Bake 20 minutes per pound or until internal temperatures reaches 180 degrees.

 

How do I know if a chicken is fresh?

Check the "Sell By Date" on the package. This date indicates the last date the chicken should be offered for sale. Chicken meat should have no detectable odor and the flesh should feel firm; the skin should not feel slick.

 

How do I quick-thaw chicken?

Use the defrost or medium-low setting of a microwave, according to the manufacturer's directions. Rotate chicken and separate parts as they begin to thaw, taking care that the chicken does not begin to cook. Or, thaw in cold water, leaving chicken in original package or water-tight plastic bag. Change water often. Whole chicken should take about 1 1/2 hours.

 

How do I read the production code for frozen products?

Tyson uses the Julian Calendar in its production codes. The following example shows our form:Example product code: 2273PLA0114 What it means: 227 indicates the Julian date or August 15; 3 indicates the year designation or 2003; PLA indicates the Tyson plant designation; 1 indicates the production line number; 14 indicates the military hour of production.  Abbreviated codes may be found on some inner cartons or bags due to equipment limitations. The Julian date and year will always be found in the same sequence.  Our frozen items have a shelf life of one year after production. Because freezing keeps food safe almost indefinitely, recommended storage times are for quality only.

 

How do I thaw frozen chicken?

Chicken should be thawed in the refrigerator, still wrapped in its original packaging. Allow a minimum of 16-24 hours to defrost a whole uncut chicken, and at least six hours to defrost chicken parts. It is a good idea to place frozen chicken on a plate in order to prevent any liquid from dripping onto other foods.

 

How should fresh chicken be stored?

Fresh poultry should be refrigerated in its original wrapper in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Place on a plate to prevent dripping onto other foods. We suggest that you freeze it immediately if it's not to be cooked within two days.

 

I have a question on food handling and safety.
Please go to the Food Safety page.

 

Need information about our products and distribution?
Please go to the Request Information page.

 

Production Processes
Please go to the Heritage page.

 

Terms and Conditions of Sale
Please download the "Terms and Conditions of Sale" document here.

 

What causes moisture in the package of chicken?

This "weepage" can be a combination of natural juices exuded by chicken and some absorbed water that drains out of the meat. During processing, chickens are rapidly chilled in icy water to control microbial growth. Like all meat tissue, chicken is hydroscopic and will absorb some water.

 

What is the difference between "red meat" and "white meat?"

Oxygen is delivered to muscles by the red cells in the blood. One of the proteins in meat, myoglobin, holds the oxygen in the muscle. The amount of myoglobin in animal muscle determines the color of meat. Pork and lamb are also considered red meat. Chicken and fish are considered "white meat."

 

What is the "flat iron griller?"

The flat iron griller, also called top blade steak, is a "new cut" of steaks from beef shoulder top blade. In the past, we consumed the meat from the beef shoulder as chuck steak and roasts. The flat iron griller is the second most tender cut of beef after the filet mignon.

 

What is the shelf life of chicken after being frozen?

Whole birds may be frozen for up to one year; parts may be frozen for up to nine months. Quality may deteriorate after this time.

 

Where can I find coupons for Tyson grocery store products?

Coupons for Tyson products are available from time to time in the Sunday editions of newspapers, direct mail, and various magazines.  Frequently, mail-in coupons promotions are available in grocery stores.  We appreciate your interest in our products.

 

Why aren't giblets in a bag?

Tyson research found that the internal temperature is lowered faster without the paper bag, which acts as a barrier. This minimizes the opportunity for microbial growth.

 

Why does my bacon sometimes turn dark?

Bacon that turns dark during cooking may result from a combination of different factors. For example, a high cooking temperature, the amount of sugar added to the bacon, genetic characteristics of the hog and even the type of feed ration that hog was fed could influence the final color of the cooked bacon. Occasionally, a package of bacon will turn dark during cooking when one of these factors is out of norm. Although some of these factors cannot be controlled, we suggest that bacon be cooked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or less to minimize the darkening.

I have a question on food handling and safety.
Please go to the Food Safety page.

 

Need information about our products and distribution?
Please go to the Request Information page.

 

Production Processes
Please go to the Heritage page.

 

What is the difference between "red meat" and "white meat?"

Oxygen is delivered to muscles by the red cells in the blood. One of the proteins in meat, myoglobin, holds the oxygen in the muscle. The amount of myoglobin in animal muscle determines the color of meat. Pork and lamb are also considered red meat. Chicken and fish are considered "white meat."

 

What is the "flat iron griller?"

The flat iron griller, also called top blade steak, is a "new cut" of steaks from beef shoulder top blade. In the past, we consumed the meat from the beef shoulder as chuck steak and roasts. The flat iron griller is the second most tender cut of beef after the filet mignon.

 

What is the shelf life of chicken after being frozen?

Whole birds may be frozen for up to one year; parts may be frozen for up to nine months. Quality may deteriorate after this time.

How can I get new recipes?
Many of our brands offer recipes and meal ideas on their websites, including Tyson, Hillshire Farm, Ball Park, Aidells and more.

For more Tyson Foods brands, see our brands.

 

Are interns paid?
Yes, all of our internships are paid. Pay is based upon your classification in college.

 

Can I be notified when a new opportunity becomes available?
Once you set up an account on the Tyson career page, you'll have the option to for new job openings to be e-mailed to you. You can specify whether you want only marketing jobs, or human resource jobs, or all jobs sent. At any time you can login to your profile and change the settings to your preference.

 

Can I retrieve my W2 form online using the internet?

The online retrieval of W2 forms is only available to currently employed Team Members who have successfully completed the consent process.

 

Can I still apply if there isn't a position available?
Yes, click on "Create My Account" and select Submit Resume/CV on the website. This will enable you to submit your profile/resume into our database for consideration for future openings.

 

Can I upload a resume as word document?
Yes, once you're ready to apply to a position you will be prompted to either copy your resume into a field or upload from a file. At that point you can upload your resume.

 

Do I have to create an account to apply for a position?
Yes, you will need to create an account to apply for a position. This will make applying to other positions in the future much easier. Your account has the ability to store different resumes, as well an opportunity to set up the job alert function which will e-mail you Tyson job postings when they become available.

 

Do I need to create an account to browse job openings?
No, you do not need to create an account to browse job openings. You can click on the "Search for a Job" button to view all of the current openings. However, you will need to create an account in order to apply for an opening.

 

Does an internship help acquire a full-time position?
A college internship does make it easier to acquire a full-time position with Tyson Foods once you graduate. Internships give you real-world work experience which can place you a step ahead of your peers that don't have internship experience. Internships can also help you decide if a specific field is where you would like to continue to gain experience. The internship process can also help a hiring manager understand what type of worker you will be after you have completed an internship.

 

Does Tyson offer internships?
Yes. Tyson offers an average of about 50 internships in various fields throughout the year. It's recommended you create an account with your specific keywords that will alert you when an opening becomes available.

 

How can I apply for hourly positions?
Once on the recruitment homepage, click "Search for a Job." You will then be able to search all Tyson Foods job openings. In the keyword box type in "Non-Exempt." This will pull up all hourly positions. You can also drill down to a certain area and/or job type.

 

How can I apply for salaried positions?
On the recruitment homepage, click "Search for a Job.". You will then be able to search all Tyson job openings. In the keyword box type in "Exempt." This will pull up all salaried positions. You can also drill down to a certain area and/or job type.

 

How can I learn which jobs are currently open?
On the recruitment homepage, click "Search for a Job." You will then be able to search all Tyson job openings. You can use the search engine to specify what area or job type you looking for. There also is a keyword search.

 

How do I change my profile information?
Click "My Account" and log in using your current information, select Edit Profile, make necessary changes and save.

 

How do I find out about college recruiting events?
To find up-to-date information, click on the "Campus Recruiting" button then click on "Coming to a Campus Near You" and find the dates and time of college events.

 

How do I get help applying for a job with a disability?
If you are unable to apply for career opportunities through use of this site due to an impairment or disability, please contact (479) 290-2478 for further assistance.

 

How do I request a reprint of my Form W2?

Please contact the Human Resources department at the location you worked to request a reprint of your W2 form.  Please be sure to verify and update your address if necessary.

 

How do I search open positions and requirements?
Click "Search for a Job," the "Drive for Tyson Fleet" button, or "Search for an Internship" to reach the job search engine. Using the job search engine, you can drill down to find your perfect job. Use the drop down boxes to select location, job function, and date the job was posted. Not specific enough? Use the keyword search box to specify your desired job.

 

How do I tell a friend about jobs at Tyson Foods?
Check the box next to the position(s) you would like to send to a friend and select "Send To Friend" on the top of the search page. A window will open that will allow you to enter an e-mail address and write a short message. Tyson will send a link to the e-mail address provided that will allow your friend to view the job description.

 

How often should I update my profile in the Tyson database?
Your profile will always remain active in our database; however, your profile should be updated as often as necessary based on any new information.

 

When do internship positions get posted? 
Most summer internships are posted in January and February. The candidates are usually selected as early as March in order to allow time for the intern and hiring manager to prepare for the summer. Most full-time internships are posted throughout the year whenever that position becomes available.

 

Is there opportunity for advancement within Tyson?

We value our Team Members. That's why we have a department dedicated to helping Team Members advance their careers whether it be in their current department or another area of the business. To learn more about Team Member development, click "Why Tyson Foods?" and select Professional Development.

 

Looking to join the Tyson Team?
Please go to the Tyson Foods Careers site.

 

Can I be notified when a new opportunity becomes available?
Once you set up an account on the Tyson career page, you'll have the option to for new job openings to be e-mailed to you. You can specify whether you want only marketing jobs, or human resource jobs, or all jobs sent. At any time you can login to your profile and change the settings to your preference.

 

What if I forget my profile password?
Select the "forgot password" link, enter your user ID and follow the instructions.

 

What is the hiring process?
Once you apply, you will receive an automated e-mail confirming your application submission. Your resume will be forwarded directly to the assigned Tyson Foods recruiter. The recruiter will then review your qualifications and if you meet the minimum requirements, the recruiter will send your resume to the hiring manager. The timetable to hear back depends on how quickly the manager processes the resumes. The typical timetable is two to three weeks. However, it may take longer.

 

What kind of hours do interns work?
An intern’s work schedule will depend on the type of internship. We have two types of interns, summer and full-time. Summer interns work approximately 40 hours per week. Full-time interns work approximately 20 hours per week during the school year (due to their class schedule) and about 40 hours a week during the summer.

 

What's the best way to apply for an internship?
Create an account and submit your resume. Search the internship job listings. Once you've found an internship that you're interested in, select the box on the left of the job title and click "Apply to Jobs."

 

When can I request a reprint of my W2 form?

Reprints for the current year W2 form will not be available until February.

 

When do internship positions get posted?
Most summer internships are posted in January and February. The candidates are usually selected as early as March in order to allow time for the intern and hiring manager to prepare for the summer. Most full-time internships are posted throughout the year whenever that position becomes available.

 

When will my Form W2 be mailed?

W2 forms will be postmarked no later than January 31st.

 

Where can I find out about internship opportunities?
Click "Search for an Internship." You will then be able to search all Tyson Internships and Full-Time Trainee positions.

 

Which Tyson locations offer internships?
Internship quantity, occupations, start and end times, and locations vary from year to year. The best source of this information is the Tyson Foods Corporate Career Site Campus Recruiting pages. You can also e-mail the Tyson Foods College Recruiting Department at collegerelations@tyson.com for more information.

 

Who is eligible for an internship?
If you're a college student, you are most likely eligible for an internship. However, some internships have specific requirements. For example, requirements may be: a specific grade point average (GPA), a specific major, or a specific graduation date.

 

Consumer Relations - Contact info
Mail: Consumer Relations CP631 PO Box 2020 Springdale, AR 72765-2020 U.S.A.  Phone: 1-800-233-6332

 

Corporate Press Releases
Please go to the News Releases page.

Are you an Investor?

Please go to the Investors page.

Can I upload a resume as word document?
Yes, once you're ready to apply to a position you will be prompted to either copy your resume into a field or upload from a file. At that point you can upload your resume.

 

Do I have to create an account to apply for a position?
Yes, you will need to create an account to apply for a position. This will make applying to other positions in the future much easier. Your account has the ability to store different resumes, as well an opportunity to set up the job alert function which will e-mail you Tyson job postings when they become available.

 

Do I need to create an account to browse job openings?
No, you do not need to create an account to browse job openings. You can click on the "Search for a Job" button to view all of the current openings. However, you will need to create an account in order to apply for an opening.

 

How do I change my profile information?
Click "My Account" and log in using your current information, select Edit Profile, make necessary changes and save.

 

How do I get help applying for a job with a disability?
If you are unable to apply for career opportunities through use of this site due to an impairment or disability, please contact (479) 290-2478 for further assistance.

 

How often should I update my profile in the Tyson database?
Your profile will always remain active in our database; however, your profile should be updated as often as necessary based on any new information.

 

What if I forget my profile password?
Select the "forgot password" link, enter your user ID and follow the instructions.

 

What is the hiring process?
Once you apply, you will receive an automated e-mail confirming your application submission. Your resume will be forwarded directly to the assigned Tyson Foods recruiter. The recruiter will then review your qualifications and if you meet the minimum requirements, the recruiter will send your resume to the hiring manager. The timetable to hear back depends on how quickly the manager processes the resumes. The typical timetable is two to three weeks. However, it may take longer.

Can I retrieve my W2 form online using the internet?

The online retrieval of W2 forms is only available to currently employed Team Members who have successfully completed the consent process.

 

Do I have to create an account to apply for a position?
Yes, you will need to create an account to apply for a position. This will make applying to other positions in the future much easier. Your account has the ability to store different resumes, as well an opportunity to set up the job alert function which will e-mail you Tyson job postings when they become available.

 

Do I need to create an account to browse job openings?
No, you do not need to create an account to browse job openings. You can click on the "Search for a Job" button to view all of the current openings. However, you will need to create an account in order to apply for an opening.

 

How can I apply for hourly positions?
Once on the recruitment homepage, click "Search for a Job." You will then be able to search all Tyson Foods job openings. In the keyword box type in "Non-Exempt." This will pull up all hourly positions. You can also drill down to a certain area and/or job type.

 

How do I change my profile information?
Click "My Account" and log in using your current information, select Edit Profile, make necessary changes and save.

 

How do I request a reprint of my Form W2?

Please contact the Human Resources department at the location you worked to request a reprint of your W2 form.  Please be sure to verify and update your address if necessary.

 

Privacy Policy
Please go to the Privacy Policy page.

 

Terms of Use
Please go to the Terms of Use page.

 

What if I forget my profile password?
Select the "forgot password" link, enter your user ID and follow the instructions.

 

When can I request a reprint of my W2 form?

Reprints for the current year W2 form will not be available until February.

 

When will my Form W2 be mailed?

W2 forms will be postmarked no later than January 31st.

Are chickens kept in little coops?

No. Tyson chickens are grown on farms located in areas ideal for poultry raising, with clean air and water and moderate temperatures. All grow-out houses are single level and the birds are allowed to roam free on the floor of these houses. Our grow-out houses average 40 feet wide and 400 feet long. The houses are equipped with automatic misters to cool the chickens in the summer, and gas heating for cooler weather. Automatic equipment provides clean water and nutritious feed for the birds at all times.

 

Are hormones or antibiotics used in the raising of hogs? 

No hormones are used in the raising of hogs. There are no hormones approved by the USDA for use in hogs (or poultry). Antibiotics may be administered to prevent or treat disease or illness in hogs. However, the USDA/FSIS requires a withdrawal period before slaughter so that no residue is left in the animal's system. The FSIS also conducts random tests at slaughter facilities to verify that no antibiotics residues remain.

 

How are cattle raised?

Cow/calf operators breed cows to produce calves. These cows and calves graze on grass in pastures of ranchers and farmers who own and raise the cattle. When the calves are weaned at six to ten months, they are considered stocker cattle and are moved to a grazing program until they reach weights of 600 to 800 pounds. At this weight they are moved to feedlots and are now called feeders. Feeder cattle will typically be in the feedlot eating from a feed bunk for three to six months until they reach weights of 900 to 1,400 pounds. From here they will go to a slaughter facility to be processed into beef.

 

How are pigs raised?

A pig is cared for every day of the week. Baby pigs stay with their mothers in a nursery for about 21 days. After they are weaned, they live in the nursery for another month before moving to finishing farms. At this point they weigh close to 50 pounds. Because of their specially formulated feed and improved hog genetics, the pigs are raised leaner to meet the demand for less fat. A typical hog will weigh 260 to 270 pounds at time of slaughter. Records show that in the 1930's, a great percentage of the fat hog was processed into lard. Today's pork has 77% less fat and 53% less calories.

 

What are chickens fed?

A typical poultry diet is made up primarily of grain such as corn, grain sorghum and/or wheat. Vitamins and minerals are added to meet the bird's nutritional need for efficient growth. To help the birds fight various diseases, food additives are also included in their diet. These food additives are approved and strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Antibiotic use is supervised by a veterinarian, under the regulatory authority of the FDA and/or USDA. Hormones, steroids or other harmful chemicals are never used to enhance the growth of our chickens. There are no hormones or steroids approved or available for use in poultry feeds at this time.

 

What are some of the uses for beef by-products?

Beef cattle provide not only meat, but also a source material for thousands of human food and other products that are part of our daily lives. Household products include soaps, shaving cream, floor wax, toothpaste, luggage, leather sporting goods, paints, shoes, cosmetics, textiles, crayons, candles, and fabric softeners. Tires, brake fluid, asphalt, car polishes and waxes, and antifreeze contain beef by-products. Ice creams, marshmallows, oleo shortening, and salad gelatin may contain gelatin from beef bones. Beef by-products play an important role in pharmaceuticals: insulin for the treatment of diabetes; pancreatin for treatment of celiac disease; thyrotropin for deficiency of thyroid gland; and heparin for treatment of respiratory diseases.

 

What is the difference between a pig and a hog?

A hog is the generic term for all swine. Pigs are immature hogs weighing less than 125 pounds. Other swine related terms include the following: Piglet: a baby swine less than ten weeks old (nursing pig); Gilt: a female pig that has not had a litter; Sow: a female pig that has had a litter; Barrow: a neutered male; Farrow: give birth to piglets; Boar: a male hog; Weaned: a piglet removed from mother.

 

What is the difference between beef and cattle?

Beef is meat from bovine animals that have been processed for food. Cattle refer to bovine animals on a farm or ranch. Other terms include the following: Cow: a mature female bovine; Bull: an adult male bovine; Bullock: a young bull; Steer: a male neutered within six months after birth; Calf: a young bovine that has not reach sexual maturity; Heifer: a young female that has not had a calf .

 

What is the difference between pork and ham?

Pork is meat from swine that has been processed for food. Ham is pork from the hind leg of the hog. Meat from the front leg is labeled "pork shoulder picnic." Hams are available either cured, smoked, fresh or cooked.