050413 Tyson Strengthens Security In Face of Food Supply Threats

Springdale, AR - Possible terrorist threats on the nation's food supply have prompted Arkansas companies such as Tyson Foods in Springdale to strengthen security efforts.

Many members of the Ozark Food Processors Association are bolstering surveillance, employee training and product tracking systems to protect the nation's food supply from a terrorist attack.

An expert spoke at the association's meeting last month and told companies such as Tyson and Allen Canning Company of Siloam Springs that attacking the nation's food supply would be easy to do.

A food expert at the University of Arkansas said that the USDA has been regulating food processors and that the agency already has protections from disease and contamination in place. Experts also said that government regulations have become tougher since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Tyson spokesman Gary Mickelson said the company's processing plants take security measures that go beyond the new federal regulations.

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