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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(a)
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this registration statement of our report dated July 30, 1997
included in Sysco Corporation's Form 10-K for the year ended June 28, 1997 and
to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement.
 
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Houston, Texas
May 11, 1998