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                                                                   Exhibit 15(b)



                               Arthur Andersen LLP
                                 Houston, Texas




May 14, 2001




Sysco Corporation:



We are aware that Sysco Corporation has incorporated by reference in its
Registration Statements on Form S-3 (333-52897), Form S-4 (333-30050, 333-53510
and 333-50842) and Form S-8 (33-10906, 2-76096, 33-45804, 33-45820, 333-1259,
333-1255, 333-1257, 333-27405, 333-66987, 333-58276 and 333-49840) its Form
10-Q, as amended by Form 10-Q/A, for the quarter ended December 30, 2000, which
includes our report dated February 9, 2001 covering the unaudited interim
financial information contained herein. Pursuant to Regulation C of the
Securities Act of 1933, that report is not considered a part of the registration
statements prepared or certified by our Firm or a report prepared or certified
by our Firm within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.


Very truly yours,



/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP