1 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 June 2, 1998