GIPSA Alleges Swift and Company, d/b/a Swift Beef Company Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act
WASHINGTON, July 2, 2008 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Swift and Company doing business as Swift Beef Company (Swift), Greeley, Colorado:
- inaccurately weighed hot carcasses for the purposes of payment to livestock sellers;
- dynamic monorail weighing system was not accurate;
- reported inaccurate hot carcass weights to livestock sellers and paid livestock sellers on those inaccurate hot carcass weights;
- failed to pay the full purchase price for the livestock purchased within the time period required by the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act;
- failed to pay the full amount due to livestock sellers for hot carcasses weights.
On June 18, 2008, GIPSA filed a complaint against Swift. If the allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Swift may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the P&S Act and assessed a civil penalty.
Swift buys and sells livestock in commerce for slaughter; is a packer; and is also engaged in the business of manufacturing/preparing meat and meat food products for sale or shipment in commerce.
The P&S Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry industries.
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Catherine M. Grasso 202-720-7201
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