EXHIBIT 23

            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM



     We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 2-51719) of H. J. Heinz Company of our report
dated June 25, 2004 relating to the financial statements and supplemental
schedules of the H. J. Heinz Company Employees Retirement and Savings Plan which
appears in this Form 11-K.


                                              /s/  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP




Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
June 25, 2004






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