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We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 pertaining to the Hormel Foods Corporation Executive Deferred Income Plan II of our reports dated November 25, 2002, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Hormel Foods Corporation incorporated by reference in its Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended October 26, 2002 and the related financial statement schedules included therein, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
November 24, 2003
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP