of the foods we distribute and that these products are developed and processed in accordance with all government regulations. This also includes our SYSCO Brand products, which are developed and monitored by our staff of approximately 180 quality assurance professionals. These individuals are in the fields, on the production lines and in contact with our suppliers, and they represent a commitment to food safety that we believe is unsurpassed in the foodservice industry. SYSCO complies, and will continue to comply, with all applicable government regulations.

One of our highest priorities is the ongoing, successful and effective safety of the products we supply our customers to prepare meals for the consuming public. The company does and will continue to urge regulatory authorities to take all steps necessary, based on sound scientific principles, to assure that foods are safe for consumers and for the environment. Both directly and through the trade associations to which we belong, we will support and lobby Congress and the federal regulatory agencies to increase the funding for development of scientific analysis and regulations that will ensure the safety of America's foods.