Exhibit 23.6 MICHAEL N. FITZGERALD Ph.D. CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT 1742 Gilsinn Lane Fenton, MO 63026 (636) 343-4001 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS I consent to the inclusion in this registration statement on Form SB-2 (File No. 333-109522) of my report dated March 5, 2004 on my audit of the consolidated financial statements of Heinz Corporation. I also consent to the reference of my Firm under the caption "Experts." /s/ Michael N. Fitzgerald Ph.D. Fenton, Missouri April 30, 2004