GIPSA fines former Tyson hog unit — Falsifying scale tickets for livestock

GIPSA fines former Tyson hog unit

By Tom Johnston on 1/20/2015

USDA’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration announced it entered into a consent decision with Tyson Hog Markets Inc., doing business as Heinold Hog Markets, Dakota Dunes, S.D.

Tyson has been ordered to cease and desist from:

• falsifying scale tickets for livestock;

• issuing invoices to buyers that show false weights; and

• issuing false or inaccurate accountings to sellers of livestock.

Tyson was assessed a $15,000 civil penalty and will make restitution to livestock buyers and sellers. The company also must maintain complete and accurate scale records that correctly show the weights of livestock actually weighed by the company.

The consent decision, issued on Dec. 11, 2014, resolves a complaint that was filed the same day against Tyson, GIPSA said.

“We take pride in being fair to livestock producers and our customers,” Tyson spokesman Gary Mickelson said in a statement emailed to Meatingplace. “We addressed these concerns three years ago when they were first brought to our attention and promptly and cooperatively resolved more recent follow-up questions from the agency.”

Tyson sold Heinold late last year as part of an agreement with the Department of Justice allowing the company to go forward with its acquisition of Hillshire Brands.