Sysco Strengthens Its Commitment to Food Safety; Drop Sites Eliminated Across the U.S. and Canada

HOUSTON, Sept. 6, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sysco Corporation SYY, North America's largest foodservice distribution company, announced today it is taking specific actions to strengthen its food-safety practices. Bill DeLaney, president and chief executive officer of Sysco, said:

"Food safety is Sysco's first priority. Historically, our far-reaching food safety and quality assurance policies called for, among other things, drop sites to be registered and for our associates to ensure that only appropriate products were delivered and temporarily stored under appropriate climate controls. Drop sites were locations that permitted Sysco to meet the service needs of our customers by allowing delivery associates to drop off product at locations for temporary storage. Salespeople would then pick up the product and transport it to our customers.

"In mid-July, we learned of instances of non-compliance with our drop site practices at our San Francisco operating company. We investigated and ceased drop site usage at that company. Subsequently, we conducted a full review of our drop site practices across the Sysco enterprise. As a result of that review, we identified additional Sysco operating companies that were not fully complying with our internal food-safety policies and practices, specifically with respect to the use of drop sites.

"In an abundance of caution, we have discontinued operation of all drop sites across Sysco. We deeply regret the concern created by our lapse in complying with our policies. At this time, we are fully cooperating with the California Department of Public Health's investigation of our food-safety practices in that state.

"We want our customers, consumers and the general public to know that Sysco is committed to improving its food-safety policies and practices. We pledge to partner with the rest of the foodservice industry to ensure the highest levels of food safety."

About Sysco

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. The company operates 193 distribution facilities serving approximately 425,000 customers. For Fiscal Year 2013 that ended June 29, 2013, the company generated record sales of more than $44 billion. For more information, visit www.sysco.com or connect with Sysco on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SyscoCorporation or Twitter at www.twitter.com/Sysco_Corp.