Tyson to Phase out CO Processing

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — In a letter written to the House Energy and Commerce Committee this past week, a Tyson executive detailed plans that the company will no longer manufacture products in a CO barrier tray.

The letter says the company plans to phase out the process by Sept. 7, and is in response to a lack of demand from customers and not based on food safety.

The letter was written by Gary Sheneman, vice president of business operations with Tyson Fresh Meal Solutions, in response to the committee’s investigation into the practice.

Mr. Sheneman wrote: "As you know, Tyson representatives have been working with the committee staff to more fully understand and address the committee’s concerns regarding the utilization of carbon monoxide in fresh meat packages. Although the use of CO is approved by FDA and USDA, Tyson has decided to discontinue the use of the barrier tray CO process approved by FDA in GRN 000143."

Tyson’s decision came just days after the July 16 announcement by Safeway Stores that it would no longer sell meat packaged using carbon monoxide.

Read the full MeatPoultry.com story here.