Tyson Foods Receives An 'A' For New Corporate Responsibility Report

SPRINGDALE, Ark., Feb. 5, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tyson Foods, Inc., (NYSE:TSN) one of the world's leading producers of meat and poultry, has received an "A" from the Global Reporting Initiative for its latest corporate social responsibility report, company officials announced today.

The new sustainability report is the fourth Tyson Foods has produced since 2005, but the first to receive the Global Reporting Initiative's (GRI) Application Level "A." This represents a high degree of disclosure and transparency in sustainability reporting. GRI is a world-recognized organization that promotes economic, environmental and social sustainability.

The 2012 Tyson Foods Sustainability Report documents the company's progress from 2010-2012 across four key areas: people, planet, profit and products.  The full report can be found online at http://www.tysonfoods.com/sustainability .

"For us, sustainability is about trying to do the right thing in everything we do," said Donnie Smith, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. "It's fundamental to our core values, cuts across every aspect of our business, and supports our mission of making great food and making a difference."

Among the key accomplishments outlined in the report:

• Animal well-being: In 2012 Tyson announced the launch of FarmCheck™, a program to audit animal treatment at the independent farms that supply the company.  
• Water and fuel conservation: Since 2004, Tyson has cut water consumption by nearly 11 percent. The company continues to work with the University of Arkansas on ways to make additional reductions. Through efforts to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, the company has eliminated more than 145 million over-the-road truck miles since 2011. 
• Nutrition: In 2012 Tyson launched nine new products that meet updated nutritional standards for school meals. These foods feature lower fat and sodium content and eliminate food allergens.
• Hunger and disaster relief: Since 2010 Tyson donated more than 18 million pounds of food, valued at $23 million, to nonprofit hunger relief agencies across the U.S.  In 2012 the company also launched the "Meals that Matter" mobile disaster relief supply unit, which was first used in New Jersey and New York in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
• Charitable giving: Tyson has donated $10 million to support education, health and human services, families and the environment since 2010.

"With the global population surpassing the 7 billion mark, the food industry's greatest challenge is to help feed the world," Smith said. "But it's not enough just to fill mouths. Creating access to a steady, nutritious diet for people across the globe requires partnerships throughout the food chain that are built on sustainable, modern agricultural and ethical business practices."

About the Tyson Foods, Inc. 2012 Sustainability Report

Tyson Foods' 2012 sustainability report was produced in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G3 sustainability reporting guidelines and the Food Processing Sector Supplement. The report was submitted to GRI's Report Services, which concluded that the report fulfills the requirement of Application Level A. GRI is a network-based organization that has pioneered the development of the world's most widely used sustainability reporting framework. The GRI Guidelines set out the principles and indicators that organizations can use to measure and report their economic, environmental and social performance.

About Tyson Foods, Inc.

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and more than 130 countries. The company has approximately 115,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.

The Tyson Foods, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3224

CONTACT: Gary Mickelson, [phone], [e-mail]