<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ownershipDocument>
    <schemaVersion>X0201</schemaVersion>

    <documentType>4</documentType>
	<periodOfReport>2003-09-17</periodOfReport>
	<notSubjectToSection16>0</notSubjectToSection16>
    <issuer>
        <issuerCik>0000100493</issuerCik>
        <issuerName>TYSON FOODS INC</issuerName>
        <issuerTradingSymbol>TSN</issuerTradingSymbol>
	</issuer>
	<reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001206531</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>LEMAN EUGENE D</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>2210 W. OAKLAWN</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2></rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>SPRINGDALE</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>AR</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>72762</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
            <reportingOwnerRelationship>
			<isDirector>0</isDirector>
			<isOfficer>1</isOfficer>
			<isTenPercentOwner>0</isTenPercentOwner>
			<isOther>0</isOther>
			<officerTitle>Senior Group V.P., Fresh</officerTitle>
		</reportingOwnerRelationship>
	</reportingOwner>
	<nonDerivativeTable>
		<nonDerivativeTransaction>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<transactionDate>
				<value>2003-09-17</value>
			</transactionDate>
			<deemedExecutionDate>
			</deemedExecutionDate>
			<transactionCoding>
				<transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
				<transactionCode>M</transactionCode>
				<equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
			</transactionCoding>
			<transactionAmounts>
				<transactionShares>
					<value>2000</value>
				</transactionShares>
				<transactionPricePerShare>
					<value>0</value>
				</transactionPricePerShare>
				<transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
					<value>A</value>
				</transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
			</transactionAmounts>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>215914</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</nonDerivativeTransaction>
		<nonDerivativeTransaction>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<transactionDate>
				<value>2003-09-17</value>
			</transactionDate>
			<deemedExecutionDate>
			</deemedExecutionDate>
			<transactionCoding>
				<transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
				<transactionCode>S</transactionCode>
				<equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
			</transactionCoding>
			<transactionAmounts>
				<transactionShares>
					<value>2000</value>
				</transactionShares>
				<transactionPricePerShare>
					<value>13.12</value>
				</transactionPricePerShare>
				<transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
					<value>D</value>
				</transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
			</transactionAmounts>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>213914</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</nonDerivativeTransaction>
		<nonDerivativeTransaction>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<transactionDate>
				<value>2003-09-18</value>
			</transactionDate>
			<deemedExecutionDate>
			</deemedExecutionDate>
			<transactionCoding>
				<transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
				<transactionCode>S</transactionCode>
				<equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
			</transactionCoding>
			<transactionAmounts>
				<transactionShares>
					<value>1797</value>
				</transactionShares>
				<transactionPricePerShare>
					<value>13.21</value>
				</transactionPricePerShare>
				<transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
					<value>D</value>
				</transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
			</transactionAmounts>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>212117</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</nonDerivativeTransaction>
		<nonDerivativeTransaction>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<transactionDate>
				<value>2003-09-18</value>
			</transactionDate>
			<deemedExecutionDate>
			</deemedExecutionDate>
			<transactionCoding>
				<transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
				<transactionCode>M</transactionCode>
				<equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
			</transactionCoding>
			<transactionAmounts>
				<transactionShares>
					<value>1797</value>
				</transactionShares>
				<transactionPricePerShare>
					<value>0</value>
				</transactionPricePerShare>
				<transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
					<value>A</value>
				</transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
			</transactionAmounts>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>213914</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</nonDerivativeTransaction>
		<nonDerivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>11621</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>I</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value>By ESPP</value>
					<footnoteId id="F1"/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</nonDerivativeHolding>
	</nonDerivativeTable>
	<derivativeTable>
		<derivativeTransaction>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>5.11</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<transactionDate>
				<value>2003-09-17</value>
			</transactionDate>
			<deemedExecutionDate>
			</deemedExecutionDate>
			<transactionCoding>
				<transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
				<transactionCode>M</transactionCode>
				<equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
			</transactionCoding>
			<transactionAmounts>
				<transactionShares>
					<value>2000</value>
				</transactionShares>
				<transactionPricePerShare>
					<value>0</value>
				</transactionPricePerShare>
				<transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
					<value>D</value>
				</transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
			</transactionAmounts>
			<exerciseDate>
				<footnoteId id="F2"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2003-10-01</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>2000</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>1797</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeTransaction>
		<derivativeTransaction>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>5.11</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<transactionDate>
				<value>2003-09-18</value>
			</transactionDate>
			<deemedExecutionDate>
			</deemedExecutionDate>
			<transactionCoding>
				<transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
				<transactionCode>M</transactionCode>
				<equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
			</transactionCoding>
			<transactionAmounts>
				<transactionShares>
					<value>1797</value>
				</transactionShares>
				<transactionPricePerShare>
					<value>0</value>
				</transactionPricePerShare>
				<transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
					<value>D</value>
				</transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
			</transactionAmounts>
			<exerciseDate>
				<footnoteId id="F2"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2003-10-01</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>1797</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>0</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeTransaction>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Incentive Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>6.64</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<footnoteId id="F2"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2005-03-01</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>2</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>2</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Incentive Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>10.65</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<footnoteId id="F2"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2005-12-22</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>14016</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>14016</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Incentive Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>9.97</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<footnoteId id="F2"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2006-10-01</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>4285</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>4285</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Incentive Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>9.76</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<footnoteId id="F2"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2007-03-01</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>4762</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>4762</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Incentive Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>8.68</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<footnoteId id="F2"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2007-12-24</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>1244</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>1244</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>6.87</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<footnoteId id="F2"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2004-10-01</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>6383</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>6383</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>6.64</value>
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			<exerciseDate>
				<footnoteId id="F2"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2005-03-01</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>13029</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>13029</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>10.65</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<footnoteId id="F2"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2005-12-22</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>28842</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>28842</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>9.97</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<footnoteId id="F2"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2006-10-01</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>17144</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>17144</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>9.76</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<footnoteId id="F2"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2007-03-01</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>7143</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>7143</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>8.68</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<footnoteId id="F2"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2007-12-24</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>27328</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>27328</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>6.95</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<footnoteId id="F2"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2008-08-31</value>
				<footnoteId id="F4"/>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>28572</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>28572</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>6.19</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<footnoteId id="F2"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2010-02-01</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>16667</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>16667</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>5.43</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<footnoteId id="F2"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2010-02-18</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>38572</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>38572</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>10.50</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<footnoteId id="F2"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2011-06-28</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>28402</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>28402</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>9.32</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<value>2003-10-15</value>
				<footnoteId id="F2"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2011-10-15</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>16200</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>16200</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>9.64</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<value>2004-10-10</value>
				<footnoteId id="F3"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2012-10-10</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Class A Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>16200</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>16200</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
	</derivativeTable>
	<footnotes>
		<footnote id="F1">Includes 7,225 Shares purchased  from 10-01-02 thru 08-29-03, for the reporting person's account under the Tyson Foods, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan which transactions are exempt under Section 16(b)(3).</footnote>
		<footnote id="F2">All options granted prior to the closing of the tender offer for IBP vested on 7/23/01.  For all other options, 40% of the options are exercisable two years after the grant date (the date listed above represents the date 40% become exercisable), and an additional 20% vest in each of the following three years.  After 5 years 100% of the options are exercisable.</footnote>
		<footnote id="F3">The Stock Option vests at 40% on 10-10-04 and 20% each year thereafter for 3 years.</footnote>
		<footnote id="F4">The expiration date was incorrectly reported due to a clerical error.  The expiration date should be 08-31-2008.</footnote>
	</footnotes>
	<remarks>
	</remarks>
	<ownerSignature>
		<signatureName>/s/ Leman, Eugene D.</signatureName>
		<signatureDate>2003-09-18</signatureDate>
	</ownerSignature>
</ownershipDocument>
[{"type": "4", "sequence": "1", "filename": "lem58.xml", "secsgml_size_bytes": 26883}]
X0201
4
2003-09-17
0
0000100493
TYSON FOODS INC
TSN
0001206531
LEMAN EUGENE D
2210 W. OAKLAWN
SPRINGDALE
AR
72762
0
1
0
0
Senior Group V.P., Fresh
Class A Common Stock
2003-09-17
4
M
0
2000
0
A
215914
D
Class A Common Stock
2003-09-17
4
S
0
2000
13.12
D
213914
D
Class A Common Stock
2003-09-18
4
S
0
1797
13.21
D
212117
D
Class A Common Stock
2003-09-18
4
M
0
1797
0
A
213914
D
Class A Common Stock
11621
I
By ESPP
Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)
5.11
2003-09-17
4
M
0
2000
0
D
2003-10-01
Class A Common Stock
2000
1797
D
Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)
5.11
2003-09-18
4
M
0
1797
0
D
2003-10-01
Class A Common Stock
1797
0
D
Incentive Stock Option (right to buy)
6.64
2005-03-01
Class A Common Stock
2
2
D
Incentive Stock Option (right to buy)
10.65
2005-12-22
Class A Common Stock
14016
14016
D
Incentive Stock Option (right to buy)
9.97
2006-10-01
Class A Common Stock
4285
4285
D
Incentive Stock Option (right to buy)
9.76
2007-03-01
Class A Common Stock
4762
4762
D
Incentive Stock Option (right to buy)
8.68
2007-12-24
Class A Common Stock
1244
1244
D
Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)
6.87
2004-10-01
Class A Common Stock
6383
6383
D
Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)
6.64
2005-03-01
Class A Common Stock
13029
13029
D
Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)
10.65
2005-12-22
Class A Common Stock
28842
28842
D
Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)
9.97
2006-10-01
Class A Common Stock
17144
17144
D
Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)
9.76
2007-03-01
Class A Common Stock
7143
7143
D
Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)
8.68
2007-12-24
Class A Common Stock
27328
27328
D
Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)
6.95
2008-08-31
Class A Common Stock
28572
28572
D
Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)
6.19
2010-02-01
Class A Common Stock
16667
16667
D
Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)
5.43
2010-02-18
Class A Common Stock
38572
38572
D
Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)
10.50
2011-06-28
Class A Common Stock
28402
28402
D
Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)
9.32
2003-10-15
2011-10-15
Class A Common Stock
16200
16200
D
Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy)
9.64
2004-10-10
2012-10-10
Class A Common Stock
16200
16200
D
Includes 7,225 Shares purchased  from 10-01-02 thru 08-29-03, for the reporting person's account under the Tyson Foods, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan which transactions are exempt under Section 16(b)(3).
All options granted prior to the closing of the tender offer for IBP vested on 7/23/01.  For all other options, 40% of the options are exercisable two years after the grant date (the date listed above represents the date 40% become exercisable), and an additional 20% vest in each of the following three years.  After 5 years 100% of the options are exercisable.
The Stock Option vests at 40% on 10-10-04 and 20% each year thereafter for 3 years.
The expiration date was incorrectly reported due to a clerical error.  The expiration date should be 08-31-2008.
/s/ Leman, Eugene D.
2003-09-18