1


                                                                   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
for the quarter ended March 31, 2001, which includes our report dated May 14,
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