Tyson Fresh Meats Temporarily Halts Production at Dakota City, Neb, Beef Plant

Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., a subsidiary of Tyson Foods, Inc., is set to temporarily halt operations from May 1 to May 4 at its Dakota City, Neb., beef facility. The pause in operations is to allow for a thorough cleaning and sanitization of the entire plant. The company is also conducting COVID-19 screenings for plant team members this week, with support from the Nebraska National Guard. The facility, one of the largest beef processing plants in the U.S., employs 4,300 workers and typically produces enough beef in a day to feed 18 million people. However, due to increased absenteeism in recent weeks, production has been reduced. During the temporary shutdown, workers will continue to receive compensation and are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Shane Miller, senior vice president & general manager beef enterprise, Tyson Fresh Meats, emphasized that worker safety is a top priority for the company. Tyson Foods was among the first food companies to begin taking worker temperatures and has installed over 150 infrared temperature scanners in its facilities. The company also requires and provides facial coverings for all team members in all facilities. Tyson Fresh Meats has also voluntarily paused operations at its pork facilities in Waterloo and Perry, Iowa, and Logansport, Ind. and beef facility in Pasco, Wash. while workers undergo screening and facilities are thoroughly cleaned. Other meat and poultry plants continue to operate, albeit at significantly reduced production levels due to the implementation of additional worker safety precautions. About Tyson Foods Tyson Foods, Inc. is a global food company and a leader in protein. Established in 1935 by John W. Tyson and grown under three generations of family leadership, the company offers a wide range of products and brands. Tyson Foods continually innovates to make protein more sustainable, tailor food for everywhere it’s available and raise the world’s expectations for how much good food can do. The company, headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, has 141,000 team members. Tyson Foods operates with integrity, creates value for its shareholders, customers, communities and team members and serves as a steward of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. Visit TYSONFOODS.COM. Media Contact: Liz Croston, 605-235-3657