EXHIBIT 23(a)


                CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

         We  consent  to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement  (Form S-8) pertaining to The Retirement Savings  Plan  of  Tyson
Foods,  Inc.  of our reports dated November 15, 1996, with respect  to  the
consolidated  financial  statements  and  schedule  of  Tyson  Foods,  Inc.
included   or incorporated by reference in  its Annual Report  (Form  10-K)
for  the  year  ended  September 28, 1996 filed  with  the  Securities  and
Exchange Commission.




                                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP





    Little Rock, Arkansas
    March 5, 1997

































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