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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23 
                                      
                                      
                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of
Thorn Apple Valley, Inc. and Subsidiaries on Form S-8 of our report dated July
21, 1995, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and the
financial statement schedule of Thorn Apple Valley, Inc.  and Subsidiaries as
of May 26, 1995 and May 27, 1994, and for each of the three years in the period
ended May 26, 1995, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form
10-K.



Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

Detroit, Michigan
September 1, 1995