Tyson Foods, Inc. Purchase Order Terms and Conditions
The following terms and conditions (these “Purchase Terms”) shall apply when Tyson Foods, Inc. and/or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries (“Tyson”), is purchasing goods (“Goods”) and/or services (“Services”) from a Seller (“Seller”) pursuant to a Purchase Order (“Order”) issued by Tyson to the Seller.
1. APPLICATION AND INTERPRETATION
1.1 Seller Terms Excluded. Acceptance of any Order by Seller is limited to acceptance of the express Purchase Terms herein. Any general terms and conditions of Seller are hereby expressly rejected by Tyson and excluded. Notwithstanding any language contained in any document of Seller stating the language of such document, or any other document referenced therein supersedes any other language, if the Seller chooses to accept an Order, Seller specifically acknowledges and agrees these Purchase Terms control. Any proposal, confirmation, or any other writing of whatever kind inconsistent with or in addition to the terms of the Order and these Purchase Terms shall not be binding upon Tyson. Tyson’s acceptance of, or payment for, Goods and/or Services will not constitute acknowledgement or acceptance of the Seller’s conditions of sale.
1.2 Order of Precedence. The provisions of any Order and these Purchase Terms will be read, to the extent possible, to be consistent. If a provision in an Order directly conflicts with a provision in these Purchase Terms, the provision in these Purchase Terms will prevail unless either (i) the provision of the Order specifies characteristics, quantities, prices, delivery times or other similar commercial terms for Goods and/or Services to be provided under that Order, or (ii) the Order specifically states that the provision in the Order will prevail.
1.3 Acceptance. An Order shall be deemed accepted by Seller upon the earliest of (i) Seller issuing an electronic confirmation or written acceptance of the Order, (ii) Seller’s commencement of work on the Goods and/or Services subject to the applicable Order, or (iii) shipment of the Goods and/or delivery of the Services subject to the applicable Order.
1.4 Changes. Tyson shall have the right at any time to make changes in drawings, designs, specifications, payment methods, materials, packaging, time and place of delivery, and method of transportation. If any such changes cause an increase or decrease in the cost or the time required for performance of an Order, an equitable adjustment will be made and the applicable Order shall be modified in writing accordingly. Seller agrees to accept any such changes to any Order or decline such changes promptly in writing.
1.5 References to Laws. A reference to any law, rule, or regulation is a reference to it as it is in force for the time being taking account of any amendment, extension, application or re-enactment and includes any subordinate legislation for the time being in force made under it.
2. COMPENSATION
2.1 Price. The price of the Goods and/or Services shall be as stated in the Order and unless otherwise agreed in writing by Tyson shall be F.O.B. delivered and inclusive of all other charges including but not limited to customs, duties, all sales, use, excise and property taxes, shipping, packaging, boxing, crating, labeling, storage, insurance and any other similar charges. In the event a price is not contained in an Order, Tyson's agent must be notified of the price and its written acceptance obtained before Seller accepts such Order. No additional costs, fees, surcharges or expenses of any kind shall be added to the Order without the advance written consent of Tyson.
2.2 Price Warranty. Seller warrants that the prices for the Goods and/or Services sold to Tyson under any Order are as favorable as those currently offered to Seller’s customers for the same or similar Goods and/or Services in similar quantities and type in compliance with all pricing laws and regulations. Seller warrants that prices shown on any Order are complete.
2.3 Invoices. Seller shall present Tyson with an invoice for the amounts due and owing pursuant to the Order and Tyson will pay all undisputed amounts on each invoice within the time period set forth in the applicable Order. Each invoice shall be in a form reasonably acceptable to Tyson. Tyson shall have no obligation to pay any amounts that Seller fails to invoice to Tyson within 120 days after the amounts were incurred. Except as required by applicable laws, Tyson shall not be required to pay any late charge, surcharge, interest, finance charge or similar charge.
2.4 Setoff. Tyson shall have the right to deduct or set-off amounts owed by Seller or any of Seller’s affiliates to Tyson against amounts payable under any Order.
3. GOODS PURCHASE PROVISIONS
3.1 Delivery. Seller shall deliver the Goods in the quantities, on the dates, and to the places specified in the applicable Order and all Goods shall be properly packed, sealed and secured in such manner as to reach their destination in good condition. If no date is specified in the Order then Seller shall deliver the Goods promptly. Time shall be of the essence.
3.2 Late Delivery. If the Goods are not adequately delivered on the due date, in addition to its other rights and remedies, Tyson may (i) terminate the Order in whole or in part without liability by notice effective when received by Seller as to Goods not yet delivered, (ii) refuse to accept any subsequent delivery of the Goods which Seller attempts to make, (iii) recover from Seller any expenditure reasonably incurred by Tyson in obtaining the Goods in substitution from another provider, or (iv) claim damages for any additional costs, losses or expenses incurred by Tyson which are in any way attributable to Seller’s failure to adequately deliver the Goods on the due date.
3.3 Expedited Shipment. If, in order to comply with Tyson's required delivery date, it becomes necessary for Seller to ship by a more expensive way than specified in the applicable Order, any resulting increased transportation costs shall be paid by Seller unless the necessity for such rerouting or expedited handling has been directly caused by Tyson.
3.4 Title and Risk of Loss. Title to and risk of loss of the Goods, including but not limited to any shipping and transit costs, will pass to Tyson upon the delivery of the Goods to Tyson, provided that in the event the Goods are Non-Conforming Goods as defined herein, title to and risk of loss of such Non-Conforming Goods shall remain at all times with Seller unless Tyson agrees in writing to accept such Non-Conforming Goods. If a shipment is not accompanied by a bill of lading, packing slip or similar delivery document, Tyson’s count and/or weight will be conclusive.
3.5 Export-Import Regulations. Seller will prepare, maintain and, to the extent required under applicable laws, rules or regulations promulgated by any governmental or self-regulatory agency having jurisdiction over a party, submit to the applicable customs authorities, all necessary information and documentation to comply with the applicable customs and export and import requirements of each country from which the Goods will be exported and each country into which they will be imported.
3.6 Title. Seller represents and warrants to Tyson that the title conveyed on all Goods produced pursuant to any Order will be good and marketable, its transfer rightful, and the Goods will be delivered free from any security interest or other lien or encumbrance (including any statutory or common law lien).
3.7 Inspection-Testing. Tyson shall have the right, but not the obligation, to inspect and/or test Goods purchased under any Order and reject, in whole or in part, any or all of the Goods contained therein. Nothing contained in any Order or any confirmation or related documents sent by Seller shall relieve Seller from the obligations of testing, inspection, and quality control.
3.8 Warranty. Seller expressly warrants and represents to Tyson, its successors, assigns, customers, and users of Tyson’s products, that all Goods furnished under any Order shall (i) conform in all respects to all samples, specifications and appropriate standards, (ii) meet all performance specifications or guarantees provided either orally or in writing to Tyson, (iii) be new, and free from defects in materials or workmanship, (iv) conform to any statements made on the containers, labels, and/or advertisements, (v) be properly contained, packaged, marked, and labeled, (vi) not infringe or misappropriate any patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, trade secrets or other intellectual property rights, and (vii) be merchantable, safe and appropriate for the purpose(s) for which Goods of that kind are normally used. In addition, if Seller knows or has reason to know the particular purpose for which Tyson intends to use the Goods, Seller warrants that such Goods will be fit for such particular purpose. Inspection, test, acceptance or use of the Goods furnished under any Order shall not affect Seller’s obligation under this warranty, and all warranties shall survive inspection, test, acceptance and use.
3.9 Non-Conforming Goods. Any Goods that are defective, damaged, or fail to conform to (i) the requirements of these Purchase Terms, (ii) the requirements of any applicable Order, (iii) the specifications supplied by Tyson to Seller, or (iv) applicable industry or legal fitness and safety standards (“Non-Conforming Goods”).
3.10 Rights with Respect to Non-Conforming Goods. In addition to its other rights and remedies, Tyson reserves the right to (i) cancel or terminate for cause any Order, in whole or in part, which contains Non-Conforming Goods or (ii) require Seller to replace or promptly repair defects of any Non-Conforming Goods without expense to Tyson. Seller shall be liable for all charges, expenses, field corrections, withdraws, recalls, repurchases, or commissions incurred in the inspection, receipt, transportation, care custody and disposal of the Non-Conforming Goods. If Seller fails to repair defects in or replace any Non-Conforming Goods, Tyson may make such repairs or replace such Goods and charge Seller any cost incurred. For Non-Conforming Goods whose defect or non-conformity is not apparent on examination, Tyson reserves the right to require correction or replacement as well as payment of damages.
3.11 Information Regarding Non-Conforming Goods. Seller will promptly furnish to Tyson all information and copies of all documents (including any complaints, inquiries, test or inspection results, internal reviews, warnings, declarations or notices) that Seller receives which suggest or indicate that any Goods, including but not limited to any ingredient, material, and/or any packaging or supplies used in connection with any Goods, may be Non-Conforming Goods.
3.12 Food Related Provisions. Seller represents, warrants and guarantees that Goods which are food related products, including the contents, packaging, and labeling, sold to, constituting or being a part of any shipment or other delivery now or hereafter made by Seller to or on the order of Tyson, and their manufacture, branding and sale, will at the time of such shipment or delivery:
(a) comply with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of June 25, 1938, as amended (the “FFDCA”), including the Food Additives Amendment of 1958 and the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004; the Federal Meat Inspection Act, as amended; the Poultry Products Inspection Act, as amended; the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act; the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970, (collectively, and as applicable, the “Acts”); the HACCP food safety systems requirements of the USDA/FSIS; the provisions of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002; the registration requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA); the country-of-origin labeling provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 as amended; and any applicable state food and drug law, the adulteration and misbranding provisions of which are (i) identical with or substantially the same as those found in the Acts, and (ii) are not preempted by the Acts or federal law;
(b) be manufactured in accordance with current good manufacturing practices and any specifications for the Goods to be delivered under these Purchase Terms or any Order and, where applicable, fit for human consumption; and
(c) not be articles which may not, under the provisions of Section 404 or 505 of the FFDCA, be introduced into interstate commerce.
Seller further represents and warrants that all color additives that Seller sells or delivers to Tyson will be manufactured by Seller and (where color additive regulations require certification) will be from batches certified in accordance with the applicable regulations issued under the FFDCA.
3.13 Banned Substances. Seller warrants that no banned substances and no controlled substances over specific concentration thresholds, including but not limited to PFAS, BPAs, BHAs, BHTs, and PFOAs, are used or will be used in the manufacture, processing or packaging of the Goods supplied to Tyson under these Purchase Terms. If any reportable substance is used in a manufacturing process or as an ingredient in any part, sourced product, accessory, or packaging (even if the substance is not present in the final form) then the details of the substance’s use must be reported to Tyson. Upon request, Seller shall provide to Tyson certificates of compliance certifying that the products, packaging and/or packaging material for the Goods provided under these Purchase Terms are in compliance with the requirements set forth above. Seller shall provide updates on usage to Tyson on a per change basis.
3.14 Reporting Obligations. Seller shall comply with all reporting obligations required by applicable federal, state and local laws, orders, rules and regulations or as otherwise required by Tyson. Seller shall provide Tyson with any requested data in connection with such reporting obligations.
4. SERVICE PROVISIONS
4.1 Performance of Services. Seller will provide Services purchased in any Order in accordance with these Purchase Terms and the applicable Order. If the Order describes Services in a general or non-specific manner, the Services will include not only those Services specifically described in such Order but also those that are an inherent, necessary or a customary part of those Services. Except as provided by the applicable Order, Seller will be responsible for all materials, facilities, equipment, software and other resources required to provide the Services and Seller shall ensure that all equipment used in connection with an Order is maintained in good working order and in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions and current regulations.
4.2 Services Warranty. The Seller represents and warrants that any Services performed by the Seller (or its duly appointed sub-contractor) will comply to all applicable statutory rules and regulations and shall not infringe or misappropriate any patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, trade secrets or other intellectual property rights and be performed (i) in a good, timely, efficient, professional and workmanlike manner using then-current technology, (ii) using sufficient numbers of personnel who have suitable competence, ability, education, training and other qualifications for any assigned roles, (iii) with at least the degrees of accuracy, quality, efficiency, completeness, timeliness and responsiveness as are equal to or higher than the accepted industry standards applicable to the performance of the same or similar Services, and (iv) in compliance with the requirements of the Order and these Purchase Terms.
4.3 Compliance with Tyson Policies and Procedures in Performance of Services. Seller will ensure that the Seller personnel, while assigned to provide Services or otherwise visiting or accessing Tyson’s facilities, will (i) comply with Tyson’s then-current environmental, health, safety, and security policies and procedures and other policies and regulations applicable to Tyson personnel at those facilities, (ii) comply with all reasonable requests of Tyson personnel, as applicable, pertaining to personal and professional conduct, and (iii) otherwise conduct themselves in a professional and businesslike manner.
4.4 Rights for Non-Conforming Services. In the event the Services do not conform with these Purchase Terms and the stipulations in any applicable Order, Tyson shall, without prejudice to any of its other rights or remedies, have the right to (i) terminate the Order in whole or in part without liability by notice effective when received by Seller as to Services not yet performed, (ii) refuse to accept any subsequent performance of the Services which Seller attempts to make, (iii) suspend any payment obligation in respect to the Services, and (iv) purchase Services to correct or replace the non-conforming Services from an alternative provider after giving Seller notice and charge Seller any cost incurred.
5. TERMINATION
5.1 Termination for Convenience. Tyson reserves the right to terminate any Order for convenience, in whole or in part, at any time. Upon notification by Tyson, Seller shall immediately stop all work and shall immediately cause any of its suppliers and/or subcontractors to cease such work. Seller shall be paid a reasonable termination charge consisting of a percentage of the applicable Order price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus actual direct costs resulting from termination. Seller shall not be paid for any work done after receipt of the notice of termination, or for any costs incurred by Seller's suppliers and/or subcontractors which Seller reasonably could have avoided. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Seller be entitled to an amount greater than what Tyson would have paid absent the termination.
5.2 Termination for Cause. Tyson may terminate any Order, in whole or in part, in the event of (i) any default by Seller, (ii) Seller’s failure to comply with these Purchase Terms, or (iii) Seller’s failure to comply with any specific terms and conditions contained in an applicable Order. Late deliveries, deliveries of Non-Conforming Goods and/or performance of non-conforming Services, and/or failure to provide Tyson, upon request, reasonable assurances of future performance, shall all be bases for Tyson’s right to termination for cause. In the event Tyson terminates an Order for cause, Tyson shall not be liable to Seller for any amount, and Seller shall be liable to Tyson for any and all damages sustained by reason of Seller’s default which gave rise to the termination.
5.3 Termination for Financial Insecurity. Tyson may terminate any Order, in whole or in part, as of the date specified in a termination notice if Seller (i) files for bankruptcy, (ii) becomes or is declared insolvent, (iii) is the subject of any proceeding(s) (not dismissed within 30 days) related to its liquidation, insolvency or the appointment of a receiver or similar officer for Seller, (iv) makes an assignment for the benefit of all or substantially all of its creditors, (v) takes any corporate action for its winding-up, dissolution, or administration, (vi) enters into an agreement for the extension or readjustment of substantially all of its obligations, or (vii) makes any material misstatement as to its financial condition.
6. INDEMNIFICATION
6.1 General. Seller shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Tyson, including its parents, subsidiaries, sisters and other affiliated companies and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, losses, damages, penalties, liabilities, costs, obligations, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys', experts’ and legal fees) arising out of or resulting in any way from any act or omission of Seller (its agents, employees or subcontractors, in whole or in part) in performing work in connection with any Order, including but not limited to (i) Seller’s breach of these Purchase Terms and/or any Order, (ii) the actual or alleged infringement or misappropriation of any patent, copyright, trademark, trade name, service mark, trade secret, or other intellectual property right, (iii) violation of any law or regulation of Seller, (iv) any claim that the Goods and/or Services are defective, and (v) any claim that Tyson has or had a duty to warn a third party with respect to the Goods and/or Services; provided that Tyson gives Seller prompt written notice of any such claim once it has actual knowledge thereof and no settlement or compromise that imposes any liability or obligation on Tyson shall be made without Tyson’s prior written consent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tyson shall have the right, but not the obligation, to assume and control the defense and/or settlement of such claim, and Seller shall cooperate in the defense of any such claim and provide such assistance and information as is reasonably necessary for defense of such claim. This indemnity shall be in addition to the warranty obligations of Seller.
7. INSURANCE
7.1 General. Seller shall procure and maintain, at its own expense, such public liability insurance, including product liability, contractual liability, completed operations, contractor’s liability and protective liability, automotive liability insurance (including non-owned automotive liability), workers’ compensation and employer's liability insurance with an insurance company acceptable to Tyson that will adequately protect Tyson against damages, liabilities, claims, losses and expenses. All insurance coverage provided to Tyson by Seller pursuant to these Purchase Terms shall name Tyson Foods, Inc. and its majority owned subsidiaries as an “additional insured” and be primary insurance with respect to Seller’s obligations, shall include a waiver of subrogation, and shall not be or be considered to be contributing insurance with any of Tyson’s policies of insurance. Seller agrees to submit certificates of insurance evidencing its insurance coverage when requested by Tyson. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Seller’s insurance required in accordance with this Section 7 have respective limits of less than the following:
Type of Coverage
Worker’s Compensation
Employer’s Liability
Motor Vehicle (covering leased, Owned and non-owned vehicle)
General Liability (including completed operations coverage, products liability coverage, broad form of property damage and blanket contractual liability coverage endorsed to cover Seller’s contractual liability assumed under these Purchase Terms)
Limits of Liability
Statutory Limits
$1,000,000 per occurrence
$1,000,000 of primary and/or umbrella/excess coverage per occurrence for bodily injury and/or property damage
$1,000,000 of primary and/or umbrella/excess coverage per occurrence for bodily injury and/or property damage
7.2 Material Changes. If there is a material change in or cancellation of the insurance required by these Purchase Terms or any Order, then Seller shall provide Tyson with at least thirty (30) days prior written notice.
7.3 Property of Employees and Subcontractors. Seller shall require all subcontractors and others performing
any Services at Tyson facilities to procure and maintain in effect the insurance required by these Purchase Terms or any Order. Seller waives any and all rights of recovery it may have against Tyson for damage or destruction of property of Seller or its employees. Seller’s policies insuring any such property will contain a waiver of subrogation clause or endorsement.
8. COMPLIANCE
8.1 Federal Contractor Responsibilities. Tyson is a U.S. government contractor. Seller expressly represents and warrants that all Goods and/or Services supplied under any Order will have been produced in compliance with, and Seller agrees to be bound by, all applicable federal, state and local laws, orders, rules and regulations. To the extent applicable and if Seller is not exempt, Seller will abide by the requirements of the following which are incorporated herein by reference: 41 CFR Parts 60-1 through 60-50 (equal opportunity), 41 CFR Part 60-300 (equal opportunity for protected veterans), 41 CFR Part 60-741 (equal opportunity for disabled persons). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability. Further, to the extent applicable and if Seller is not exempt, Seller will abide by the requirements of the following which are incorporated herein by reference: 29 C.F.R. Part 471, Appendix A (employee notice requirements), FAR 52.203-13 (code of business ethics and conduct), FAR 52.203-19 (prohibition on certain confidentiality agreements), FAR 52.219-8 (utilization of small business concerns), FAR 52.222-21 (prohibition of segregated facilities), FAR 52.222-26 (equal opportunity), FAR 52.222-35 (equal opportunity for veterans), FAR 52.222-36 (equal opportunity for disabled workers), FAR 52.222-37 (veterans employment reports), FAR 52.222-40 (notification of employee rights), FAR 52.222-50 (combating trafficking in persons), FAR 52.224-3 (privacy training), FAR 52.226-6 (promoting excess food donations to nonprofit organizations), and FAR 52.247-64 (preference for privately owned U.S. flag commercial vessels). Tyson may modify these requirements at any time as reasonably required by changes in U.S. laws.
8.2 Supplier Code of Conduct. Seller represents and warrants that it has read and that it will comply with the principles, expectations and requirements stated in the Tyson Supplier Code of Conduct (PDF). Tyson shall have the right to request and review all relevant records of Seller to ensure compliance with the terms of this provision. Seller acknowledges and agrees that Tyson retains the right to decline future business opportunities or to end existing business relationships, including the transactions represented in any Order, if Seller does not comply with the Tyson Supplier Code of Conduct, the additional requirements of this Section 8, or with laws applicable to Seller’s business operations.
8.3 Anti-Corruption Laws. Seller and its affiliates (including each of Seller’s respective officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, or other persons acting on Seller’s behalf) have complied with, and at all times during the period of this Agreement shall be in compliance with, all applicable anti-corruption laws. Tyson shall have the right to request and review all relevant records of Seller to ensure compliance with the terms of this provision. Seller acknowledges and agrees that Tyson retains the right to decline future business opportunities or to end existing business relationships, including the transactions represented in any Order, if Seller does not comply with the terms of this Section 8.3.
9. FORCE MAJEURE
Neither party shall be liable to the other for its failure to comply with the terms of an Order if such failure shall have been caused by any unforeseeable incident beyond the control of the non-performing party, including but not limited to fire, labor dispute, strike, war, insurrection, governmental restriction, or act of God, provided that it shall be the responsibility of each party to take all reasonable measures to eliminate such cause and recommence performance as quickly as possible; and further provided, it shall be the obligation of the party claiming a force majeure event for excuse of non-performance to notify the other party in writing as soon as practicable. In the event Seller claims inability to perform due to an act of force majeure, Tyson shall have the right to secure an alternate source of supply and Seller shall reimburse Tyson for any additional reasonable expense incurred by Tyson. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the inability of Seller to perform continues for a period greater than thirty (30) days from written notice to Tyson, Tyson shall have the option of terminating the Order immediately without any liability for Goods not yet shipped or Services not yet performed. Whenever Seller has knowledge of any occurrence (or potential occurrence) which may delay, stop or in any way disrupt production or shipment of the Goods and/or Services under an Order, Seller shall promptly notify Tyson of said occurrence or potential occurrence.
10. CONFIDENTIALITY
Subject to the terms of any confidentiality agreement with Tyson, Seller shall consider the information related to any Order and all information furnished by Tyson, including but not limited to any drawings, specifications, and/or other documentation prepared by Seller for Tyson in connection with any Order, to be confidential (collectively the “Confidential Information”) and shall not disclose any such Confidential Information to any other person or entity, or use such Confidential Information itself for any purpose other than performing the applicable Order unless Seller obtains written permission from Tyson to do so. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, no commercial, financial or technical information disclosed in any manner or at any time by Seller to Tyson shall be deemed secret or confidential. Seller’s confidentiality obligations pursuant to this Section 10, as applicable will survive (i) perpetually for trade secrets and personally identifiable information and (ii) for a period of five (5) years from the date of Tyson’s disclosure for all other Confidential Information. Seller will return or destroy any Confidential Information promptly upon Tyson’s request. If Tyson so requests, Seller will provide a certificate, signed by an authorized representative, certifying that all confidential information has been returned or destroyed.
11. RECORDS AND INSPECTION RIGHTS
At all times Seller shall maintain accurate books and records containing information regarding the raw materials, production, storage, sale, shipment, pricing of and payment of any Goods and/or Services purchased under an Order. These books and records shall be kept in accordance with all legal requirements, industry practice and generally accepted accounting principles, as applicable, and preserved for not less than three (3) years after creation. Tyson and its agents and representatives have the right, but not the obligation, to examine the books and records of Seller for the purpose of verifying Seller’s compliance with its obligations under these Purchase Terms and any Order. Any such examination shall be during business hours in Seller’s principal offices, the facility where the Goods and/or Services were produced, or such other location or method as Tyson may reasonably request. Seller shall cooperate with Tyson’s examination, which cooperation shall include making Seller’s officers available for discussion of Seller’s books, records and compliance with these Purchase Terms and any Order. The examination shall be at Tyson’s expense, provided that, in the event Seller has failed to perform its obligations under these Purchase Terms, any applicable Order, or laws, the expense of examination plus other damages incurred by Tyson shall be paid by Seller. Tyson also has the right, but not the obligation, to inspect any facility where the subject Goods are produced or stored or Services rendered for the purpose of verifying compliance of such facilities with applicable law, compliance with these Purchase Terms and any Order, and compliance with Tyson’s food safety, quality and other manufacturing and storage standards, practices and procedures. Seller will provide copies of such books and records as Tyson may reasonably request, provided that Tyson agrees to maintain any information contained in such books and records which is confidential and proprietary information of Seller in the same manner that Tyson maintains its own confidential and proprietary information. Tyson will not use any such confidential and proprietary information of Seller except as contemplated by these Purchase Terms.
12. APPLICABLE LAW - JURISDICTION
12.1 Applicable Law. These Purchase Terms and every Order will be governed by and construed in accordance with the applicable laws of Arkansas, without giving effect to the principles of Arkansas relating to conflicts of laws. Tyson and Seller agree that the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods shall be specifically excluded from application to any Order.
12.2 Jurisdiction/Venue. Each party irrevocably agrees that any legal action, suit or proceeding brought by it in any way arising out of these Purchase Terms or any Order must be brought solely and exclusively in, and will be subject to the service of process and other applicable procedural rules of, the state courts of Benton County or Washington County, Arkansas or the Federal courts located in the Western District of Arkansas, and each party irrevocably submits to the sole and exclusive personal jurisdiction of the state and Federal courts located in Arkansas, generally and unconditionally, with respect to any action, suit or proceeding brought by it or against it by the other party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, claims for equitable relief may be brought in any court with proper jurisdiction within the United States.
13. LIMITATION ON TYSON’S LIABILITY – STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
In no event shall Tyson be liable to Seller for any indirect, incidental, consequential, punitive, special, or exemplary damages or penalties of any description, regardless of the form of the action or the theory of recovery, even if Tyson has been advised of the possibility of those damages. Tyson’s liability on any claim of any kind for any loss or damage arising out of or in connection with or resulting from any Order, or from the performance or breach thereof, shall in no case exceed the price allocable to the Goods and/or Services which gives rise to the claim. Any action resulting from any breach on the part of Tyson as to the Goods and/or Services purchased under any Order must be commenced within one (1) year after the cause of action has accrued. This Section 13 is not intended to limit or exclude Tyson’s liability for any matter for which liability cannot be limited or excluded by law.
14. [RESERVED]
15. GENERAL
15.1 Assignment. Seller may not assign any rights or delegate any obligations under these Purchase Terms or any Order without the prior written consent of Tyson.
15.2 Subcontractors. Seller will not subcontract any of its obligations without obtaining Tyson’s prior written approval. Notwithstanding any approval by Tyson, Seller will remain solely responsible for all of its obligations and will be liable for any subcontractor’s failure to perform or abide by the provisions of these Purchase Terms or any Order.
15.3 No Liens. Seller shall promptly discharge any mechanic’s or materialman’s liens, retention rights, security rights or any security interests arising in connection with any Order at Seller’s sole cost and expense.
15.4 Independent Contractors. The parties will at all times be independent contractors. Neither party will have any right, power or authority to enter into any agreement for or on behalf of, or to assume or incur any obligation or liabilities, express or implied, on behalf of or in the name of, the other party.
15.5 Rights and Remedies Cumulative. All rights and remedies reserved by Tyson in these Purchase Terms will be cumulative and in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other remedies available at law, in equity or otherwise. Any rights of Tyson not expressly granted herein are reserved by Tyson.
15.6 Attorneys’ Fees and Costs. In the event of any adversarial proceeding(s) between the parties arising out of any Order, the prevailing party will be entitled to recover from the other party, in addition to any other relief awarded, all reasonable expenses the prevailing party incurs in such proceeding(s), including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and court costs. For purposes of this section, “prevailing party” means: (a) in the case of the party initiating the enforcement of its rights or remedies, that such party recovered substantially all of its claims, and (b) in the case of the party defending against such enforcement, that it successfully defended substantially all of the claims brought against such part. If no party is a “prevailing party” within the meaning of this section, then no party will be entitled to recover its costs and expenses from any other party.
15.7 Severability. If any provision of these Purchase Terms conflicts with the law under which these Purchase Terms are to be construed or is held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision will be deemed to be restated to reflect as nearly as possible the original intentions of the parties in accordance with applicable law.
15.8 Publicity. Seller will not, without Tyson’s prior written consent, (i) use the name, trademark, service mark, trade dress, logo or other identifying marks of Tyson in any sales, marketing or publicity activities or materials, and/or (ii) issue any public statement regarding its relationship with Tyson.
15.9 Waivers. The failure of Tyson to enforce strict performance by Seller of any provision of these Purchase Terms or to exercise any right under these Purchase Terms will not be construed as a waiver to any extent of Tyson’s right to assert or rely upon any provision of these Purchase Terms. A delay or omission by Tyson to exercise any right or power under these Purchase Terms will not be construed to be a waiver of that right or power. Tyson’s waiver of one breach will not be construed to waive any succeeding breach. All waivers must be in writing and manually signed by Tyson.
15.10 Survival. The provisions of these Purchase Terms and any Order that expressly or by their nature contemplate performance or observance after the Order terminates or expires will survive and continue in full force and effect. Without excluding any other provisions of these Purchase Terms and any Order, the terms of Sections 6, 7, and 10 shall survive the termination or expiration of any Order.
15.11 Notices. All notices must be in writing and will be deemed given only when (i) hand delivered, (ii) one business day following the day sent by documented overnight delivery service to the party whom the notice is directed at its address indicated in the applicable Order or otherwise provided in writing, or (iii) sent by electronic mail to the party whom notice is directed at the electronic mail address specified in the applicable Order or otherwise provided in writing, provided, that if notice is provided to Tyson under subsection (iii) herein, written confirmation of such notice shall also be provided to Tyson as described in subsection (i) or (ii).
15.12 Entire Agreement. These Purchase Terms and the applicable Order collectively constitute the entire agreement of the parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event Tyson and Seller have an existing written agreement signed by an authorized signatory of Tyson and Seller encompassing the Goods and/or Services purchased in the Order, these Purchase Terms shall remain in full force and effect to the extent they do not conflict with the terms of such written agreement.
Updated: January 27, 2023