USDA's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration has filed allegations against JBS-Swift & Co., claiming the Greeley, Colo.-based beef processor recorded inaccurate hot carcass weights and paid livestock sellers accordingly, the agency said.

GIPSA alleges that Swift:

• inaccurately weighted hot carcasses for the purposes of payment to livestock sellers
• used an inaccurate dynamic monorail weighing system
• reported inaccurate hot carcass weights to livestock sellers and paid livestock sellers accordingly
• failed to pay the full purchase price for the livestock purchased within the time period required by the Packers and Stockyards Act
• failed to pay the full amount due to livestock sellers for hot carcasses

If Swift admits to the allegations, or if they are proven in an oral hearing, the company could be ordered to cease and desist from violating the P&S Act and be fined, GIPSA said.

Neither Swift nor GIPSA officials could be reached for comment.

By Tom Johnston on 7/11/2008