QUALITY ASSURANCE Sysco Food Safety and Quality Programs
CONTENTS 03
02
THE SYSCO PROMISE
15
QUALITY
15
Individual Product Specifications
04
DISTRIBUTION FOOD SAFETY
15
Monitoring and Compliance
04
The Sysco Approach
16
Sysco Product Evaluation Center (PEC)
04
Distribution Food Safety (DFS)
17
Field Specialists
04
Temperature Controls
17
Point Source Inspection Program (PSIP)
18
Sysco Brand Product Discrepancy Notice Program (PDN)
19
Sysco QA Plant Visits – Approved Suppliers
06
SUPPLIER APPROVAL
06
Initial Facility Audit
07
Ground Beef and Veal Supplier Authorization
08
Sysco Specialty Meat Company (SSMC)
20
SUSTAINABILITY
Raw Materials Supplier Approval
20
Corporate Social Responsibility
20
Animal Welfare
09
FOOD SAFETY
22
Sustainable Egg Supply
09
Risk Matrix
23
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
10
Independent Audit Program
24
Sustainable Seafood
10
Global Food Safety Initiative
10
Listeria Monocytogenes Controls
26
REGULATORY & TECHNICAL SERVICES
11
Allergen Controls
26
Crisis Management Program
12
Foreign Material Controls and
26
Recall Procedures
Metal Detection Guidelines
26
Seafood HACCP
27
EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT
27
Employee Training and Professional Memberships
12
Low Acid Canned Foods
13
Produce: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
14
FOOD DEFENSE
27
Operating Company and Customer Support
14
Supplier and Operating Company Controls
27
Industry, Academic and Research Engagement
Sysco Food Safety and Quality Assurance Programs | Version 2, May 2015
THE SYSCO PROMISE
#1
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.
Our family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. Sysco operates diverse facilities involved in broadline foodservice distribution, specialty quickservice restaurant distribution, as well as premium protein and produce manufacturing facilities in North America and Ireland. These complex business
40+ Full-time Sysco QA Associates
operations enable Sysco to serve customers, ranging from small family-owned restaurants to multi-unit chains, as well as large educational, health care, hotel and government operations. Our commitment to quality and food safety can be traced back to the founding of the Sysco Corporation. The principles and vision outlined in 1970 have served as the foundation on which our quality and food safety programs have been built. Today,
100+ Supportive QA Members Worldwide
Sysco’s commitment to providing safe, wholesome and consistent quality products to our valued customers has never been stronger. The Sysco Quality Assurance team is responsible for ensuring we meet today’s challenges relative to quality and food safety. We accomplish this through the diligent efforts of our fulltime Quality Assurance
on various advisory committees and/or participate
staff members and over 100 supportive Quality
in current food safety, regulatory, quality and
Specialists around the world.
environmental initiatives. We are committed to the belief that shared knowledge leads to continuous
We are actively involved in quality, food safety,
improvement in these areas and ultimately benefits all
regulatory and environmental initiatives. The Sysco
stakeholders in the foodservice industry, including our
Quality Assurance Department sponsors food safety
supply partners, valued customers and our competitors.
and sustainability research while staff members serve
Sysco Food Safety and Quality Assurance Programs | Version 2, May 2015
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DISTRIBUTION FOOD SAFETY +
+
The Sysco Approach
Sysco Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) cover all
Sysco’s approach to food safety aligns with the
areas of food handling and transport, and function as the
mission and vision of our company:
foundation for training programs focused on preventive controls and a food safety culture designed to ensure the safety of the food distributed by Sysco is maintained.
Mission To market and deliver great products to our customers with exceptional service.
Distribution Food Safety (DFS) To assure compliance with Sysco’s DFS systems in our Broadline Sysco Operating Companies (OpCos), Food
Vision To be our customer’s most valued and trusted business partner.
Safety Program Managers (FSPM) will be employed at the local companies. These FSPMs will report directly to Sysco Corporate Food Safety Regional Directors with a dotted line to the company President.
These constructs all require a best in class food safety
The FSPMs in the companies partner with other
system. Sysco has implemented a comprehensive supply
functions to ensure food safety tasks are performed
chain food safety system covering transportation from
appropriately (operations, merchandising,
the supplier through to delivery to the end-customer.
transportations, sales, etc.).
Key components of the food safety system involve
Corporate Food Safety Regional Directors will manage
1) sourcing from capable suppliers who pass an
the FSPMs in the U.S. and Canada.
approved 3rd party Food Safety audit, 2) eliminating the possibility of cross-contamination
Sysco QA Initial Facility and Temperature Controls
during storage and transport, and
The temperature of many Sysco branded products, as
3) establishing time and temperature control limits
well as a growing number of non-branded food products
from the time products leave the supplier to the time
are monitored during transit.
they are delivered to the end-customer. The information is used to continuously improve supply chain temperatures, as well as ensure that transit temperatures maintain food safety prior to
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Sysco Food Safety and Quality Assurance Programs | Version 2, May 2015
DISTRIBUTION FOOD SAFETY Sysco receiving the product. No refrigerated products are received by Sysco without thorough evaluation. Prior to Sysco receiving products from a supplier and placing it in inventory, the receiver checks the product temperature and evaluates the load to ensure it was handled properly. The process for product flow from receiving, through storage, and loading onto delivery trucks is engineered to maintain product temperature as close to ideal as possible to maximize food safety and quality. Once on delivery trucks, temperature is maintained by a fleet of multi compartment refrigerated trailers. Drivers
At Sysco, we know maintaining food safety in the cold
monitor temperature throughout the delivery to ensure
supply chain ensures we market great products with
food safety and product quality are maintained. The food
exceptional service, which earns our customer’s trust.
safety system at Sysco is designed to exceed regulatory requirements, as well as our customers’ expectations.
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SUPPLIER APPROVAL Manufacturers must pass a rigorous quality and food safety assessment
IFA
before becoming Sysco suppliers.
Initial Facility Audit (IFA) Potential supplier facilities from all product categories must pass an Initial Facility Audit (IFA) performed by a Sysco Quality Assurance team member. Suppliers must demonstrate the capability of producing food products to our requirements. Facilities are not allowed to produce under the Sysco Brand without first passing a rigorous process of quality, food safety audit and product evaluations. Suppliers must demonstrate the capability of producing food products to our requirements. If the product evaluations and business analysis warrant proceeding through the approval process, a representative of Sysco Quality Assurance will conduct a comprehensive “desktop” pre-audit teleconference with the facility management personnel in order to determine if the facility will meet our food safety and quality expectations. If approval of the facility is granted, the supplier and
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If Sysco Quality Assurance obtains facts to support the
the Sysco Program Quality Manager will establish
facility is capable of meeting the requirements, upon
monitoring and verification procedures to ensure that
completion of the teleconference, an initial “On-Site”
the food safety and quality systems are maintained
audit of the facility shall be scheduled. The initial audit
and the Sysco products are manufactured or packed
will verify, by physical inspection, the acceptability of the
according to the agreed specifications. The IFA
plant and grounds as well as validation of the food safety
requirement applies to all potential Sysco Brand
and quality assurance programs in place.
manufacturers.
Sysco Food Safety and Quality Assurance Programs | Version 2, May 2015
SUPPLIER APPROVAL Regulations, FSIS Directives and/or Notices and Industry Best Practices. The purpose of this process is to achieve a greater level of consistency between products and Specialized supplier requirement program to provide safe and wholesome products
suppliers of this important product category. Compliance with Sysco’s Ground Beef Food Safety Program must be verified annually by an approved E. coli O157:H7 audit developed specifically for “Grinders.” Any establishment identified as not
Sysco Quality Assurance professionals visit Sysco Brand suppliers on a routine basis
complying with the Sysco requirements will be disqualified from the Sysco Brand/Packer Label authorized supplier list and purchases of Raw Ground Products produced at such establishment(s) shall be suspended until compliance is achieved.
Compliance with FDA, USDA and CFIA regulations, FSIS Detectives and Industry Best Practices
Sysco’s QA personnel visit Sysco Brand raw ground beef and veal suppliers on a routine basis. If suppliers are not on the authorized list, then they
Ground Beef and Veal Supplier Authorization
cannot distribute through any Sysco Operating
To mitigate the risk of E. coli O157:H7 in raw ground
Company, including Broadline, “Quick Service” or
beef and veal products distributed through Sysco
Specialty Meat companies. In addition, Sysco’s QA
Operating Companies and/or Sysco Specialty Meat
personnel visit Sysco Brand raw ground beef and
Companies, Sysco has developed a specialized supplier
veal suppliers on a regular basis, and our Operations
requirement program.
Review Department conducts audits at Sysco Operating Companies to assure that purchases are limited to
Sysco has been very proactive in establishing food
authorized suppliers only.
safety programs that provide our customers with safe and wholesome products. When purchasing Raw Ground Products, Corporate QA, with the support of the SMS Beef Department and Operating Companies, has implemented enhanced food safety control requirements that exceed minimum regulatory requirements. The product and process requirements are reviewed and updated as needed to improve Sysco’s ability to provide safe food and to affirm compliance with USDA/CFIA
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SUPPLIER APPROVAL Sysco Corporation and the SSMC monitor compliance on an ongoing basis. In the event a supplier or supplier SSMC Supplier Approval Program
location fails to comply, they will be removed from the SSMC Approved Supplier List, and product shipments from those suppliers or individual supplier locations will not be allowed to be received into inventory at SSMC establishments and may not be used for Whole Muscle Non-Intact (WMNI) beef production.
The SSMC Supplier Approval Program requirements include a rigorous set of food safety standards including an annual Independent Food Safety Audit (IFSA). Sysco Specialty Meat Company (SSMC) Raw Materials Supplier Approval To reduce risk of the potential for introduction of pathogenic E. coli 0157:H7 into whole muscle non-intact beef cuts, SSMCs only purchase raw materials from approved suppliers that have confirmed compliance to the Raw Materials Supplier Approval Program. The SSMC Supplier Approval Program requirements include a rigorous set of food safety standards. These include: • Annual Independent Food Safety Audit (IFSA) for all covered establishments. • Annual E. coli O157:H7 assessment portion or addendum to the IFSA audit • Ongoing Food Safety System Letter of Guarantee including verification and validation details of at least two hazard control point interventions. Sysco QA compiles program requirements on an on-going basis and posts the information via an electronic archive.
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Sysco Food Safety and Quality Assurance Programs | Version 2, May 2015
FOOD SAFETY Supplier Facility Risk Rating System and
Examples of High Risk Supplier Facilities include those
Plant Visit Matrix
producing refrigerated Ready To Eat (RTE) Deli Meats,
Sysco Quality Assurance has developed a Supplier
RTE Smoked Salmon, RTE Crustaceans, and RTE Produce.
Facility Risk Rating system and Plant Visit Matrix to
Medium Risk examples include potentially hazardous
manage internal, second party Sysco QA Plant Visits to
foods that may support pathogen growth, but where
supplier facilities approved to manufacture Sysco brand
the growth is limited due to inherent physiochemical
products. Facility risk ratings are based on numerous
properties, validated interventions or processes that
factors including but not limited to: the products with
reduce and inhibit the growth throughout the product’s
the most inherent food safety risk produced at each
shelf life. Low Risk examples are facilities producing
facility, the robustness and validity of the food safety
products that do not support, or do not inherently
processes in each facility, the scheme and results from
possess conditions conducive to the growth of food
certiďŹ ed third party food safety audits, the current and
borne pathogens.
historical performance regarding food safety, regulatory, quality and/or social responsibility.
The Sysco Quality Assurance Plant Visit Matrix is updated as new facilities are approved and is reviewed
After each facility is assessed using decision making
annually to determine resource needs to complete
criteria, each facility is assigned a High, Medium or Low
essential travel and to assess any new information
Risk Rating resulting in a Plant Visit Matrix used to assign
such as emerging food safety hazards or new validated
the frequency of on-site Sysco QA Plant Visits.
intervention technology.
GLOBAL FOOD SAFETY INITIATIVE (GFSI) Beginning July 1st 2016 Sysco will only accept GFSI schemes.
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FOOD SAFETY Independent Audit Program (IAP)
Avocado Products and Ready To Eat Meat and
Sysco Corporation maintains a strong commitment
Poultry products include internationally recognized
to Food Safety, Product Integrity, and provision of
best practices, many of which exceed those codified
consistent quality products to our Sysco Operating
by regulations.
Companies and their end user customers. In an effort to strengthen this commitment, we have developed the Sysco Independent Audit Program (IAP). All Sysco Approved supplier locations and co-packing locations producing Sysco Brand products are required to undergo a 3rd party Food Safety audit each calendar
Sysco Brand requirements are comprehensive to include the entire manufacturing process for LM controls.
year conducted by a Sysco approved auditing firm. Sysco QA reviews all audits to assure a minimum acceptable score is achieved and that all corrective actions are adequate and implemented in a timely manner. Audit documents are managed through a secure industry network that is a web-based system where companies can store, share, and manage audit documentation and communications with other companies they do business with.
Listeriosis, a food borne disease caused by food products contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,
Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)
is an important public health issue. Listeriosis
Sysco accepts GFSI recognized schemes to
primarily affects persons of advanced age, pregnant
satisfy the requirements for independent food safety
women, newborns, and adults with weakened
audits. The GFSI Mission is to provide continuous
immune systems. However, persons without these
improvement in food safety management systems
risk factors can also be affected. The mortality
to ensure confidence in the delivery of safe food to
rate for persons contracting Listeriosis is nearly
consumers worldwide. GFSI schemes are based on
30%; therefore heightened controls for Ready to Eat
the food safety principles laid down by the Codex
Meat & Poultry, Seafood, and Deli Salads have been
Alimentarius Commission (Codex), the National
developed to reduce risk to our customers.
Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF), relevant ISO standards, and
Sysco Brand requirements are comprehensive to
International Codes of Practice.
include the entire manufacturing process, including environmental controls, and provide a set of minimum
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Listeria Monocytogenes Controls
standards that all Sysco Brand suppliers must comply
Sysco’s requirements for control of Listeria
with through demonstration of equivalent
Monocytogenes (LM) in Refrigerated Salads, Ready To
practices for LM Control programs. Sysco Brand Deli
Eat Seafood, Frozen Fruits and Vegetables, Processed
Meats adhere to the highest food safety standards
Sysco Food Safety and Quality Assurance Programs | Version 2, May 2015
FOOD SAFETY in the industry whereby the manufacturing processes
In Canada, along with the top eight, Mustard, Sesame
must be equivalent to low risk as defined by the
Seeds and Sulphites are also recognized as hazards. In
United States Department of Agriculture Food
order to assist individuals in avoiding potentially fatal
Safety Inspection Service and/or Canadian Food
reactions due to food allergen consumption, the FDA
Inspection Agency and Health Canada. Sysco Brand
has mandated that all food product labeling list the top
suppliers must have Hazard Analysis of Critical
eight US allergens in their ingredient legend. Canadian
Control Point Food Safety Systems in place and such
regulations require the same information on its labeling
plans must include a hazard analysis for control of LM
for its top 11 allergens and sensitive ingredients.
throughout the processing environment. Suppliers are required to scientifically validate that all LM interventions meet or exceed Sysco QA requirements. Comprehensive pre-requisite programs are required. Examples of pre-requisite programs include Good Manufacturing Practices, Sanitation, Food Safety, Hold and Test, Comprehensive Pre Op and During Op Environmental Sampling, Root Cause Analysis with Corrective Action Plans, Laboratory Testing Methodology, Microbiological
Approximately 7% of United States and Canadian n citizens have been diagnosed with or experience some form rm of food allergies.
Interventions and Employee Training. In addition to annual third party Food Safety audits,
Sysco has developed guidelines for its branded
Sysco QA personnel verify that all high risk RTE Sysco
suppliers in order to minimize the risks of cross
suppliers meet or exceed the minimum LM control
contamination and to ensure proper identification
requirements by conducting onsite plant visits.
of all food products containing allergens. The Sysco guidelines are more far reaching than those required
Allergen Controls
by the FDA for allergen control. These guidelines
Approximately 7% of the United States and Canadian
ensure suppliers take a systematic approach in its risk
citizens have been diagnosed with or experience
analysis of possible points of cross contamination in
some form of food allergies. Of this amount, tens of
their process, develop risk control measures, track
thousands are rushed to the hospital annually due
allergen usage, and provide proactive identification of
to an allergic reaction to foods with allergens and
allergens in plain language.
hundreds die from it. Despite these statistics there is still no cure for food allergens. The best remedy is that
Sysco provides detailed directives for its suppliers in
those sensitive to allergens should abstain from foods
the areas of packaging/specification development and
containing allergens. Presently there are eight allergens
review in addition to standard procedures employed
recognized in the US, which include Crustacean Shellfish,
during the processing of allergen- or sensitive-ingredient
Eggs, Fish, Dairy, Peanuts, Soy, Tree Nuts and Wheat.
containing food items.
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FOOD SAFETY Sysco Brand Suppliers must demonstrate effective procedures to prevent contamination of products
Wood
Glass
Plastic
Metal
with objects such as:
Examples of directives in these areas would be the
objects such as wood, glass, brittle plastic and metal.
annual review of all packaging and specifications
The foundation of this program is prevention of
to ensure allergens have been declared. There should
foreign material contamination. Strict raw material
be a statement for allergens in plain language (such
specifications, planned preventive maintenance
as “Contains Dairy”), required hourly label checks
programs, good engineering and application of
during production runs, separation and segregation
effective Good Manufacturing Practices are examples
of allergens in storage and production, and required
of the preventive measures required of all suppliers.
cleaning of the lines whenever a changeover occurs
Sysco Brand suppliers must have approved foreign
between an allergen and non-allergen food product.
material detection systems on all lines, such as Filters,
Updates to these guidelines and requirements are also
Magnets, Metal Detectors, and/or X-rays designed
provided to each supplier on a periodic basis when they
to mitigate risk of ferrous, non-ferrous, aluminum
experience change.
and stainless steel metals below limits established by regulatory agencies as choking hazards.
Additionally, mandated annual third party audits are conducted and any infractions are identified and
A Sysco Quality Assurance Metal Detection
reported to Sysco Corporate QA in an audit report.
Guidelines Best Practices document is provided to
The Sysco Allergen Control Guidelines are also
all active suppliers and each potential new supplier.
provided to all potential suppliers in an introduction
The document is designed to provide guidance
packet. Suppliers incapable of meeting Sysco
to the standards Sysco expects from its suppliers.
requirements will not be approved. Sysco’s Allergen
Metal detection programs which go beyond these
Control Guidelines continue to evolve and present
recommendations are encouraged.
standards for both Europe and the United Arab Emirates are being added to the guidelines for products
Low Acid Canned Foods
distributed in those markets.
All approved Sysco suppliers of low acid canned foods have implemented processes specific to
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Foreign Material Controls and Metal
the product and method of operation to achieve
Detection Guidelines
commercial sterility. These processes are established
Foreign materials in foods can cause injury. Sysco
by or are equivalent to a process developed by a
Brand suppliers must demonstrate effective
competent processing authority. Commercial sterility
procedures to prevent contamination of product with
of thermally processed low acid canned foods
Sysco Food Safety and Quality Assurance Programs | Version 2, May 2015
FOOD SAFETY means the finished product is free of microorganisms
Suppliers must have tracking systems in place that
of public health significance and those capable of
provide accurate and legible labeling of all cases/items/
reproducing in the food under ambient storage and
packages so that complete and thorough traceability to
distribution temperatures.
the actual field can be provided at a moments notice. The database monitors supplier audits, providing
Produce: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
reminders of impending expiration dates, thus helping
The Sysco/FreshPoint GAP Program is divided into
to assure continued compliance. Benefits of the
two areas that improve food quality, food safety
database includes the ability to monitor third party
and traceability:
auditor performance, expanding GPS capabilities, and the generation of GAP/GHP-compliant suppliers from
1
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
whom our Operating Companies are authorized to
2
Harvest Crew Third Party Audits (GHP)
purchase RTE produce products.
Authorized Sysco produce suppliers are included in a
Sysco/FreshPoint supports and enforces all current
secure database system which includes their company
requirements set forth by the California Marketing
profile. Suppliers upload third party GAP/GHP audits
Agreement with higher standards in the areas
from all ranches/suppliers into the secured web-based
pertaining to water quality and ATP Bioluminescence
system. The program identifies each supplier’s role in the
Testing. The program must identify monitoring
supply chain (e.g. grower-shipper, broker, processor, etc.),
methods, sampling plan, frequency of tests
the produce products they provide Sysco Operating
performed, acceptable limits and corrective actions
Companies, and the source of their raw material. The
taken when limits are exceeded.
system further ensures that all RTE products and total number of farms/ranches being used to supply those
Additionally, Initial Audits of all potential suppliers
products to Sysco/FreshPoint Companies are accounted
of Sysco/FreshPoint brand field products include
for and have been uploaded into the GAP program.
GAP/GHP assessments. These initial assessments are conducted by trained Sysco QA staff.
To assure accurate traceability, all Sysco or FreshPoint Branded cartons are marked by a seven-digit Julian Code Dating System:
00
= Supplier ID
000 = Julian Date of Calendar Year
2
= Yuma, AZ
3
= Huron, CA
0
= Crew/Ranch/Harvest/Machine Number
4
= Oxnard, CA
0
= Areas of Growing Production
5
= Santa Maria, CA
1
= Salinas, CA
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FOOD DEFENSE Supplier and Operating Company Controls
Physical Security
Sysco Suppliers and Operating
Emergency
of Buildings
Response
Companies are required to Surveillance
have demonstrated
and Monitoring
programs and procedures
Activities to Identify and
in place addressing:
Help Prevent Intentional Acts
and Personal Security
Intended to Disrupt the
Food Defense program
Food Supply
compliance is verified by third-party audits and QA plant visits.
Branded supplier and Sysco Operating Company
operations as well as during off hours or times of shut
facilities have effective food defense programs
down. Vehicles entering facility property park in areas
including, but not limited to, a food security team with
visible to plant food security patrol individuals. Non-
defined roles and responsibilities. Each team conducts
employee personnel have a designated waiting area
a unique product security risk evaluation which helps
that restricts non-employees from processing and/or
the management team prioritize the preventive
warehouse areas. Trucks and/or trailers are inspected
measures that have the greatest impact on reducing the
by trained personnel before and after unloading.
risk of tampering or other malicious, criminal or terrorist
Non-traffic doors, dock doors, receiving pipes and
actions against Sysco Branded products. All aspects
hoses are secured at all times. Security processes
of facility operations are evaluated for vulnerability to
are in place for issuing, tracking and retrieving keys,
sabotage. Ingredient and packaging suppliers must
identification badges and passes for the building and
undergo food security evaluations at their facilities
secured areas. Only authorized personnel have access
or distribution centers, and must have demonstrated
to the facility and their whereabouts are monitored
procedures for the receipt of damaged goods including
at all times. In addition, facilities have a documented
inspection and justification for product disposition.
contractor program with procedures including; GMP, food safety and hygiene rules with training, restriction
Non-USDA facility manufacturing plant warehouse
to defined work areas, options to inspect tool and
or distribution centers are registered with the FDA
lunch boxes and a sign in and out log. Regular patrol
under the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism
of outside grounds, outside buildings and roof
Preparedness and Response Act of 2002. Sysco
tops are part of the security programs. Patrols are
Branded suppliers and Sysco OpCo’s have effective
documented and suspicious activity investigated with
systems to control access to and from the plant
law enforcement notified as deemed appropriate by
grounds and the manufacturing and storage facilities.
the designated individuals.
Access to sensitive areas is controlled during
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Sysco Food Safety and Quality Assurance Programs | Version 2, May 2015
QUALITY Individual Product Specifications
Information contained in specs may include, but is
Sysco QA manages a Product Specification Database
not limited to, the following (as applicable):
describing the finished Sysco Branded products we distribute. Suppliers create Product Specifications
01
Product Description
02
Ingredient Statement
03
Packaging and Code Dating
04
Raw Material Information
05
Unique Processing Procedures or other Point of Differentiation Information
06
Foreign Material Prevention Requirements
07
Pack Size
08
General Quality Specifications and Defect Limits
09
Piece Counts, Weights, Dimensions, Colors, Etc.
10
Handling, Storage and Distribution Information
11
Shelf Life
12
General Analytical Information
13
Nutrition Panel Information
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Monitoring and Compliance
by entering data into the shared database. To that end, suppliers are required to submit supplier-specific product information into the Sysco product specification system for items they produce under the Sysco Brand. Suppliers are not to develop packaging or produce and distribute product until each specification is in QA Approved status.
All individual product specifications are reviewed by the product quality manager and department manager for content and to assure they clearly align with the Sysco Brand strategies for points of differentiation and consistency within Sysco Brands. The specifications shall not be moved to QA Approved status by a department manager or director until all criteria is met. These finished product specifications describe the product as sold and include key manufacturing procedures.
Monitoring and Compliance The supplier’s product specification information is
Sysco uses various means of monitoring and
stored in Sysco’s managed database for future use
compliance to verify that the products we purchase
and may be requested anytime by both Operating
are meeting our product specifications and our
Company and corporate personnel as the need arises.
customer expectations.
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QUALITY
Monitoring and compliance programs are tailored to the product category, but will include one or more of the following: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15
Product and Packaging Evaluations Field Specialist Inspection Lot Set Aside Evaluations Point Source Inspection Provision of Certifications of Analysis/Conformance Food Safety and Quality Reviews Sysco Program Quality Manager Plant Visits Independent Lab Analysis Initial Production Run Inspection Random Lot Inspection Submission of On-Going Analytical Reports QA Documents (from supplier) Verification Supplier Product Evaluations Time/Temp Recorders for Supply Chain Control Complaint Tracking
Sysco Product Evaulauation Center (PEC) In March 2008, Sysco opened a 20,606 sq. ft. Product Evaluation Center (PEC), located at the corporate headquarters in Houston, Texas, to evaluate new samples, current Sysco brand products and competitors’ products. The center includes an advanced foodservice kitchen with workstations, a sensory panel area, and an auditorium with adjacent R&D kitchen. The PEC is a manifestation of Sysco’s desire to meet customers’ expectations and maintain a competitive edge in the industry.
performance. The PEC is also utilized extensively by Sysco and supplier chefs to create and present new menu items for our valued customers. Supplier performance evaluations are an ongoing verification activity across all Sysco product categories. Additional evaluations are performed during plant visits and inside the PEC. QA personnel issue reports after each evaluation and corrective action plans are developed as needed to improve the product and processes. The following are examples of the foodservice equipment used: in the P.E.C. fryers, convection ovens, stoves, steam kettles, char-broiler, salamander, and steamers to prepare and evaluate a wide array of food categories that are distributed in the marketplace. The sensory panel area provides the company with an opportunity to gain consumer insight prior to the release of a new or improved product. The area includes 8 individual sensory booths which allow internal, external, and expert participants to sample and evaluate single or multiple product attributes including visual, texture, taste, and aroma. The auditorium and R&D kitchen are available for food demonstrations and presentations. The PEC is a welcome addition to the corporate headquarters.
Professionally evaluating products provides value to Sysco and its suppliers. Products are evaluated against agreed purchase specifications to measure supplier
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QUALITY Field Specialists
the distribution chain. Sysco Quality Assurance and SMS
Sysco Brand approved suppliers have the responsibility
determined, with input from our valued import supplier
of producing products that meet the mutually agreed
base, that the inspection of Sysco Brand products had
upon Sysco specifications and must maintain effective
to be executed at the point of production, now known
QA/QC procedures to monitor and ensure specification
as PSIP. Sysco Quality Assurance developed strategic
compliance. The success of the program is dependent on
alliances with offshore partners for the execution of
sound production and quality assurance efforts by our
sampling and quality evaluations at our approved
select and valued suppliers. Sysco QA works closely with
supplier’s processing facilities.
its suppliers to define the monitoring requirements and reporting to demonstrate compliance. In conjunction with supplier monitoring, Sysco Quality Assurance utilizes skilled, independent Field Specialists to routinely evaluate the quality and consistency of our Sysco Brand products in the plants where the products are produced. High volume, high value commodities are inspected during production runs and/or post processing against Sysco brand specifications. Point Source Inspection Program (PSIP) The implementation of the Point Source Inspection Program (PSIP) effectively changed the inspection methods associated with Sysco Brand imported products (Import Commodities and Seafood) procured from many of our suppliers. Sysco Quality Assurance worked closely
Field Specialist In Plant Evaluation
with SMS and our approved Import Commodity and Seafood suppliers in the establishment of inspection
These efforts are coordinated by Sysco Quality Assurance
procedures for Sysco Brand products, resulting in a
following receipt of a Sysco Brand production and
streamlined and more efficient inspection process. In
shipping notification form. The sampling plans and
the case of internationally based approved suppliers,
evaluation requirements utilized by our partners are
the inspection of Sysco Brand products formerly
established and maintained by Sysco Quality Assurance.
occurred following their arrival in the United States. The
The PSIP program includes procedures associated with
determination that product failed to comply with Sysco
third party analysis of products for contaminants, as
Brand Product Quality Specifications following arrival
directed by Sysco Quality Assurance.
in the United States added cost, supply disruptions and considerable inconvenience for all parties throughout
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QUALITY The implementation of the PSIP program does
Brand standard of quality, or if a customer contacts
not relieve our approved suppliers from their
an Operating Company with a product quality
responsibility of producing products that meet the
complaint, a Product Discrepancy Notice (PDN) form
mutually agreed upon Sysco specifications nor does
is completed to notify Sysco QA of the issue.
it eliminate the supplier/importer responsibility for
Upon submission of the PDN, an email with the
maintaining bona-fide, effective QA/QC procedures
pertinent information is sent to the following parties:
to monitor and ensure specification compliance. The
risk manager, senior claims manager, QA Vice
success of the program remains now, as it always
President, and QA Directors. The PDN is then routed
has, dependent on sound production and quality
and assigned to the responsible Program Quality
assurance efforts by our valued suppliers.
Manager (PQM) responsible for that particular
If a customer contacts an Operating Company with a product quality complaint, a PDN form is completed and assigned to the responsible Program Quality Manager responsible for that product category.
The procedures outlined in the PSIP program are
product category. The PQM pursues a thorough
intended only as an additional “check” on the system.
investigation of the product discrepancy, confirms
PSIP includes, at the direction of Sysco Quality
any corrective actions taken by the supplier, reports
Assurance, routine audits of approved supplier’s
results of investigation to the Operating Company and
quality assurance programs and associated
Customer, and records the findings on the PDN form
documentation. In-depth information pertaining to
for aggregation of data.
the PSIP program can be reviewed in the Standard Operating Procedure Guidelines for Import and
PDN summary reports are reviewed by the Sysco
Seafood products.
QA management team in order to ensure that all discrepancies are resolved quickly, as well as
Sysco Brand Product Discrepancy Notice
to evaluate and address any trends that may be
Program (PDN)
occurring. The PDN system helps the QA department
The Quality Assurance department makes it a priority
ensure Sysco’s customers are satisfied and are receiving
to ensure we market consistent quality products on a
consistent quality and value for products purchased
continuous basis to our Sysco Operating Companies
under the Sysco Brand.
and their customers. If an Operating Company receives a product that does not meet the Sysco
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QUALITY
Sysco QA personnel are required to complete announced and unannounced plant visits to approved supplier locations.
Sysco QA Plant Visits - Approved Suppliers
noted on third party audits, and product evaluations.
To help ensure the consistency, food safety, and
Plant documentation review may include traceability
quality of Sysco Brand products, Sysco QA personnel
(back to raw materials and through production
are required to complete announced and
and forward through distribution), pest control
unannounced plant visits to approved supplier
documentation, allergen program compliance,
locations that manufacture those Sysco Brand
on-line finished product inspection documentation,
products. Sysco QA plant visits are assigned based
environmental and microbial test results, HACCP
on risk and managed through a plant visit matrix.
related documents, validation and verification
The plant visits are made by Sysco Program Quality
supporting documents for pre-requisite programs and
Managers, Department Managers or Directors
other pertinent areas associated with required Sysco
and involve, but are not limited to, completion
program(s) relevant to the individual category.
of a physical inspection of the facility, a review of the facility Food Safety and Quality Systems,
Other visits to approved locations may be for the
Managements Commitment and an in-depth review
purpose of observing activities of a field specialist(s)
of specific supporting documents and process
assigned to a particular facility. A visit could also be
controls pertinent to key food safety programs.
for the purpose of addressing immediate food safety or quality issues. These may include: recent recalls,
The physical plant inspection includes examination
follow-up to a failed Independent Third Party Audit,
of the manufacturing processes/equipment, foreign
product complaints, initial production runs, review of
material control (metal detection, magnet traps,
new technology implementation, and/or equipment
screens, filters, X-ray, etc.), temperatures (ambient
replacement on lines producing Sysco Brand items.
and/or product), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) policies and procedures, verification of HACCP documentation (Critical Control Points), verification of corrective actions completed arising from deficiencies
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SUSTAINABILITY Our corporate social responsibility commitment ultimately rests on every individual in the Sysco organization. Sysco conducts business on principles that have been ingrained in our culture - integrity, reliability, entrepreneurialism and quality.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Animal Welfare
The success of Sysco is tied inevitably to the success
As North America’s largest and leading distributor of
of our customers, and our mission reminds us daily that
foods sourced from animal agriculture, we take our role
we must continue to strive to help them succeed. Our
as a responsible corporate citizen in the food supply
financial success is also tied to managing our business in
chain very seriously. We use science-based standards for
a responsible manner. This includes meeting the needs
animal welfare and work diligently with our suppliers to
of our customers, but also providing a workplace
ensure humane handling practices for animals sourced
that fosters a diversity of talented employees and
for fresh meat and poultry, ground meat and sausage,
embracing a corporate mindset that is concerned with
deli meat, and shell or processed eggs.
the many environmental and community issues relating food supply sustainability. Our corporate social responsibility commitment ultimately rests on every individual in the Sysco organization. Sysco conducts business on principles that have been ingrained in our culture – integrity, reliability, entrepreneurialism and quality – to ensure
I am pleased to see that Sysco has a long track record of supporting high animal welfare standards to improve conditions across the industry. – Dr. Temple Grandin
that our business remains profitable and sustainable for future generations. A component of this commitment is illustrated by the international social responsibility assessment program. This independent, third party assessment has been implemented at Sysco Branded supplier
Dr. Temple Grandin (pictured 2nd, left to right), 2012 Sysco Animal Welfare Advisory Committe Annual Meeting
locations in sensitive areas of the world including Asia and Latin America.
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SUSTAINABILITY We engage industry experts and leading animal
Throughout the year, all animal welfare audits are
scientists to continually assess and improve conditions
reviewed by Sysco QA team members to identify
for the animals upon which we rely. We have also
issues requiring immediate action, with detailed
incorporated Animal Welfare and Handling Guidelines
summaries presented for review to Sysco’s Animal
and Independent Animal Welfare and Handling Practices
Welfare Advisory Council. Any failed audit will require
audits into our annual Independent Audit Program. This
immediate corrective action and a passing re-audit
is a requirement for all Sysco Brand suppliers.
within 60 days.
Sysco has also implemented an objective auditing
Suppliers who do not meet Sysco’s Animal Handling
program to monitor and verify compliance to our
standards face immediate disciplinary action and
Animal Welfare and Handling Practices Program
deauthorization as a Sysco supplier.
among Sysco Brand suppliers. At Sysco, we are advocates for the humane handling Ongoing compliance to our strict Animal Welfare
of livestock and poultry, and go to great lengths to
Program is enforced through a three-point system
ensure that proper procedures are maintained by all
of checks and balances:
Sysco Brand suppliers. To us, good animal welfare practices go deeper than government mandates and program directives – we consider them to be part of our corporate culture to ensure a sustainable
1
food supply and be our customer’s most valued and
Sysco Brand suppliers are
trusted business partner.
required to incorporate and demonstrate ongoing animal handling systems
3
that meet or exceed
Random audits are also
industry industrystandards. standards.
2
conducted throughout the year,
Annual third-party audits
both on an announced and an
are conducted using highly
unannounced basis. These audits are
trained animal welfare and handling
conducted by Sysco QA personnel who
personnel to ensure compliance. All
have been trained in animal handling
third-party audits are are conducted byconducted agencies by agenciesby approved byQuality the approved the Sysco Assurance Department. Sysco Quality Assurance
and/or certified by Professional the Professional Animal Auditing Animal Auditing Certification Organization (PAACO). Organization (PAACO).
Department.
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SUSTAINABILITY Sustainable Egg Supply Sysco supports proper animal welfare in all segments of animal agriculture. In doing so, our Quality Assurance associates are involved in animal agriculture work with a number of trade groups and research programs. One example of a research program Sysco supports is the Coalition for Sustainable Egg Supply (CSES). The CSES is comprised of leading animal welfare scientists, academia, NGOs, and egg industry personnel, as well as foodservice and retail food establishments. The research involved a multi-year study comprising two flocks of birds within each system.
The three types of housing systems being evaluated include conventional-style systems, often referred to as battery cages, enriched-cage systems and cage free aviary systems. A few topics of study within each sustainability area are:
The goal is to holistically study three types of laying hen housing systems to determine the impacts on five
1
sustainable areas of study. These five areas include:
Food Safety Monitoring of hen immunological responses to vaccines, comparison of exterior egg shell characteristics and interior egg quality and
01
Food Safety
02
Worker Health and Safety
microbial populations in hen housing environments. 2
Worker Health and Safety Assess personnel exposure to gases and particulate
03
Hen Health and Well Being
04
Environmental Impact
05
Food Affordability
matter in the housing systems, and characterize associations between different hen housing systems and respiratory health for workers. 3
Hen Health and Well Being Effects of the different housing systems related to bone quality, space and physiological stress
The research objective is to collect data which will better support the understanding of the viability of
4
Environmental Impact
alternative laying hen systems, which, in turn, will enable
Monitor the gaseous emission rates from the
organizations to make informed decisions based on their
three housing types and determine feed and
needs and values. The purpose is not to provide data
water energy use.
to support one method of housing over the other, but
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on the birds.
5
Food Affordability
simply to provide the data obtained during research to
Assess farm cost differentials and the economic
assist companies in making informed decisions.
costs to consumers for each hen housing system.
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SUSTAINABILITY Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
2
Personal Health and Wellness
The Sysco Sustainable Integrated Pest Management
Our goal is health and happiness for our customers,
Program (IPM) was developed and implemented
suppliers, employees, families and friends. We make
beginning in the 2005 growing season. This program
food safety number one. We believe that a healthy,
is currently supported by Sysco Brand suppliers of
attractive environment is key to personal health and
canned and frozen fruits, vegetables, and potatoes.
enjoyment of life.
The mission of the program is to improve the quality
3
Business Integrity
of resources we pass down to succeeding generations
Our goal is long-term economic success for
of Sysco customers, suppliers, employees, families
our customers, employees, shareholders and
and friends.
suppliers. We communicate openly, provide our employees the support and respect they deserve,
To help us meet our goals, we’ve developed Five
pay suppliers within terms and resolve disputes
Guiding Principles of our IPM initiative:
fairly. We expect our suppliers to share our high standards for courtesy, reliability, productivity
1
Environmental Stewardship Our goal is to ensure a healthy environment. In
and innovation. 4
Exceptional Quality
partnership with our suppliers, we use economically
Our goal is to exceed our customers’ expectations
viable practices to protect sensitive areas, improve
for wholesome, flavorful food. We take great care
air, water, soil and conserve non-renewable mineral
in selecting and building our supplier relationships
resources. We reduce waste and nutrient inputs to
and in creating demanding product specifications.
those needed for a successful crop.
We thoroughly inspect and evaluate our products and processes from field to table, to ensure consistent, exceptional food service products for our customers.
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SUSTAINABILITY 5
Continuous Improvement Our goal is to learn and implement new, scientifically sound approaches to improve the sustainability of our business on an ongoing basis. We invest in research, development, education and training with customers, employees and suppliers. We set measurable goals, assign responsibilities, adhere to timelines, verify performance and validate results. Wherever possible, we assess outcomes and not simply implementation of practices. We work to ensure that our programs encourage and reward innovation by our employees and our trade partners.
All of these steps are in place to provide our customers with the healthiest and highest-quality food possible.
Sustainable Seafood As the largest purchaser of seafood in North America, we are committed to working with our suppliers to improve sustainability in our seafood supply chain.
The IPM program takes the full engagement and cooperation of approximately 4,400 growers, Sysco Branded suppliers, and numerous certified auditing agencies to document results. Independently, other members of the supply chain utilized include state and federal regulatory agencies and specific NGO organizations to affirm information and verify credibility.
“As a market leader in seafood, Sysco’s continued commitment to sustainable seafood sourcing is helping to achieve positive change on the water and contribute to the conservation of healthy oceans. WWF’s efforts to secure responsible fisheries and healthy marine ecosystems are only possible if leading seafood buyers, like Sysco, help drive the fishing and aquaculture industries toward more sustainable seafood sourcing practices” says Bill Fox, WWF VP and Managing Director, Fisheries Program. Sysco began working with World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world’s leading conservation organization, in FY2011 to assess our seafood raw material supply. In FY2012, we expanded our work with WWF to develop strategies to responsibly source our Top 10 Sysco Brand wild caught seafood species. Completing this step of the project allowed us to understand where we need to focus our efforts to meet our goal.
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SUSTAINABILITY As a result of this work, by the end of 2015, we
Not all seafood we purchase comes from MSC certified
have committed to sourcing 100% of our Top
fisheries, or fisheries undergoing certifications. For the
10 Sysco Brand wild-caught seafood species from
supplies that do not fall in either of these categories,
fisheries that are either Marine Stewardship Council
we are working with WWF to improve the management
(MSC) certified, under assessment by the MSC or
of fisheries. Our mahi-mahi and spiny lobster fishery
involved in fishery improvement projects with WWF.
improvement projects in South and Central America are
These wild-caught seafood products include
two examples.
tuna, clams, cod, pollock, shrimp, scallops, salmon, calamari, lobster and crab.
Sysco began working with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world’s leading conservation organization, in FY2011 to assess our seafood raw material supply.
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REGULATORY & TECHNICAL SERVICES Crisis Management Program
A basic tenet of effective crisis management is efficient
In the event of a crisis situation the Crisis Notification
and comprehensive communication. Sysco Quality
System is designed to notify key individuals within Sysco
Assurance has taken the lead in this regard and has
Corporation to effectively protect our brand integrity
developed a recall communication system designed to
and shareholder equity.
notify all involved, in as rapid a manner as possible, of the details of any product recall/withdrawal situation, as
A list of key customer contacts
well as any responsibilities they might have. Guidelines
has also been included to
have been developed to facilitate communication
rapidly assist Sysco customers in
between the recalling firm/supplier, Sysco Operating
addressing a crisis situation.
Companies, and affected customers involved. This plan minimizes disruption and describes step-by-step the
Triggering events for this process would include
procedure to follow in the event of a recall.
nationwide Class 1 Recalls of a National Brand or Sysco Brand product where serious illness is a distinct
Seafood HACCP
possibility and Sysco involvement is extensive.
In accordance with Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations Part 123, the Seafood HACCP Regulation, Sysco seafood
The information provided during an actual crisis situa-
suppliers shall have an adequate Hazard Analysis and,
tion will include the same information that is routinely
should any hazards be identified, a corresponding
forwarded to Sysco Operating Companies via e-mail
HACCP plan. The HACCP plan shall follow the strategies
in the event of a recall. The Crisis Notification System
outlined in the US Food & Drug Administration’s Fish
message will not replace the e-mail communications
and Fishery Products Hazard and Control Guide for
but instead is intended to emphasize the importance of
the specific type of seafood product and processing.
following the directions provided. Generally, there will
The HACCP plan must be adequate to ensure control
be no action required of the call recipients in response
of all hazards associated with the specific product.
to the call beyond ensuring that the recall directions
Additionally, processors of raw molluscan shellfish
provided are followed as described.
must include in their HACCP plan the requirements as recommended by the National Shellfish Sanitation
Recall Procedures
Program Model Ordinance. Likewise, Sysco Operating
Product recalls are an ever-increasing fact of business.
Companies that receive, store, and distribute Sysco
When manufacturers find a problem either with the
seafood products have also conducted a Hazard Analysis
safety or quality of their products it is incumbent upon
and when hazards were found a corresponding HACCP
them to remove the product from the distribution
plan is in place.
system. As Sysco grows and becomes an even bigger part of the distribution system our involvement in product recalls and withdrawals has grown as well.
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EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT Employee Training and Professional Memberships
Our organizational structure has been established
Sysco Corporation provides ongoing professional
based on product expertise, which enables us to
development training for all Quality Assurance staff
direct resources to address and support specific
associates through a number of resources including
Operating Company or MUA customer needs,
individual offsite technical training, webinars, in house
including support during Regulatory Authority visits,
group seminars and interactive web-based course work.
Customer Audits, Sales Meetings, Sysco Techs, or Sysco Brand Advantage Evaluations. Many of the
Operating Company and Customer Support
Sysco QA staff member’s office remotely which can
Sysco’s QA Department which includes a Food
facilitate a more immediate response to critical issues.
Safety Team, is a viable resource to support the Sysco Operating Companies and their customers
Industry, Academic and Research Engagement
with product expertise or knowledge on current
Sysco Corporation encourages active involvement
technical and/or regulatory issues related to our
with professional associations within the Food and
functional areas of Food Safety, Seafood HACCP,
Beverage Industry. Sysco QA Managers and Directors
Product Quality, Product Claims, Regulatory, Recall
actively serve on many professional committees and
Communications, and Health/Nutrition. Sysco’s
sustainable stewardship initiatives to improve the
degreed QA Staff members have product expertise
food safety, quality, animal welfare and sustainability
acquired from their formal education and ongoing
in their respective food industry segments. Sysco also
skills development, as well as practical work
contributes personnel time and financial resources to
experience in all of the food and related food service
food safety research and education outreach programs.
supply categories that Sysco markets.
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The Sysco Promise. At Sysco, providing only the freshest and best in quality products will always be our #1 commitment to you. If you witness a Sysco Quality Assurance violation, immediately contact one of our specialized Sysco QA oďŹƒcers. Call (281) 584-1350 or visit sysco.com/contact-us.html
Sysco Quality Assurance 1390 Enclave Parkway Houston, Texas 77077 281-584-1350 Copyright Š 2015 Sysco Corporation