We consider protein to be the “hero nutrient,” playing an essential role in a well-balanced diet. From birth through children’s early formative years, protein is critical to help ensure proper growth and development. In adulthood, protein is important in helping maintain vital muscle mass and a healthy weight as we age. New science also suggests that protein can help to reduce hunger.

Consumers are actively trying to increase the protein in their diets, outranking other food attributes such as all-natural ingredients, vitamins and minerals.* Eating habits continue to shift from the traditional ‘three square meals a day’ to more snacking throughout the day. We strive to provide a variety of protein options to consumers that satisfy these changing eating preferences in a way that is convenient, safe and tasty.

Consumers’ interest in their overall health is driving food choices in the marketplace, and, as one of the largest food companies in the world, Tyson has a responsibility to respond to these needs and demands with innovative products that expand our portfolio of foods with nutritious attributes.

Our Research and Development (R&D) team focuses on innovating new products that raise the world’s expectations for how much good food can do. We are committed to shaping the future of food by investing in disruptive food ideas such as alternative proteins and products that help combat food waste. In FY2018, Tyson Foods invested $114 million in research and development.

We have two state of-the-art R&D facilities and 19 test kitchens that are at the heart of our innovation efforts. A world class R&D team of food scientists, chefs, health and wellness, and other experts conduct testing, prototyping and product development to help us gain a better understanding of how to deliver desired attributes and improved food to our consumers.

We evaluate and check our products for improvement, quality and safety at every touchpoint along the supply chain, from ensuring our suppliers provide us with the safest raw materials and ingredients all the way through product R&D, packaging development, manufacturing and production, storage, transportation, distribution and end consumer use. This ‘farm-to-table’ approach to guaranteeing the safety and quality of our food is what sets us apart as a trusted food company.

Our state-of-the-art FSQA management systems, coupled with the most up-to-date laboratory procedures and equipment, allow us to continuously improve the safety and quality of our food. The FSQA team is made up of more than 2,700 team members who work closely with our facilities and federal regulators to monitor the effectiveness of our FSQA practices. All Tyson Foods facilities are federally inspected and, in most cases, have a full-time USDA inspector stationed on-site.

Food Safety and Quality Assurance At a Glance*

Footnotes:

Responsible labeling and marketing is paramount to running a food business. We ensure that food is appropriately and accurately labeled according to current government regulations and marketed according to our high standards of product transparency.

Our labeling and marketing strategy is guided by the following principles:

• We do not advertise to children.
• We are discerning in our use of social media.
• We only make product claims that we can stand behind.

Our advertising practices are conducted in a sound, ethical manner. We advertise to key consumer audiences with specific needs. All advertising is in accordance with Federal Trade Commission guidelines and voluntary review organizations such as the Advertising Self-Regulatory Council.

We maintain an extensive internal review process that includes our business and legal teams to ensure the accuracy of the claims we make. All food claims comply with the USDA and FDA labeling regulations.

We work with trusted ingredient suppliers who are committed to the same high level of food safety and ingredient quality as we are. All suppliers are required to comply with regulations and standards relevant to their operations as set forth by the USDA and FDA, such as complying with Good Manufacturing Practice and implementing Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points programs. Ingredient suppliers must also be certified by the Global Food Safety Initiative, an industry-driven global collaboration to promote food safety.

We work proactively with our procurement partners to leverage responsible practices in commodities and ingredient sourcing. We invest billions each year to purchase the commodities and ingredients needed to run our day-to-day operations. This includes agricultural commodities such as wheat, rice, corn, and soy as well as ingredients that protect food safety, enhance flavor and help extend shelf life.