U.S. Foodservice Advocates for Protection of the Food Supply Chain

ROSEMONT, IL--(Marketwire - May 19, 2011) - U.S. Foodservice, one of America's leading foodservice distributors, continues to be one of the nation's strongest advocates for the protection of the entire food supply chain to ensure food safety. This week, Jorge Hernandez, senior vice president, food safety and quality assurance, U.S. Foodservice, delivered a food safety presentation at the Food Technology Innovation and Safety Forum in Chicago. The presentation, "Food Safety from Farm to Fork," focused on strategies to improve food safety controls throughout the product chain.

"Food safety will only grow in importance worldwide as our food supply becomes more global," Hernandez said. "Our food safety program is successful because we partner in every segment of the food chain -- growers, processors, distributors, operators and the government. It's the only way to ensure food safety from farm to fork."

Since March, U.S. Foodservice food safety experts have presented at the National Seafood Show, the GlobalG.A.P. (Good Agricultural Practices) conference, The Food Safety Summit, The New Food Safety Modernization Act-Approved and at a NSF Bringing the Supply Chain Together through Global Food Safety Standards webinar.

Presentations focused on reducing the estimated annual 48 million cases of foodborne illness in the United States by incorporating innovative food testing and safety programs.

"We are finding that many operators don't understand that food safety risks are present in every segment of the food chain, including transportation, and regulatory agencies must work to educate them," Hernandez said. "When some operators transport their restaurant supplies -- such as raw meats, vegetables and chemicals -- in their personal transport vehicles, we know that they don't understand the food safety risks they are taking with their business and the health of their customers. One food poisoning incident can severely damage a business and the operator's reputation. That's why we support clear and concise regulations that address the food safety risks in all the segments of the supply chain, including transportation."

About U.S. Foodservice
U.S. Foodservice is one of America's leading foodservice distributors, offering more than 350,000 national brand products and its own high-quality private label items, ranging from meats to produce to frozen foods. The company proudly employs approximately 25,000 associates in more than 60 locations nationwide. U.S. Foodservice provides the finest quality food and related products to more than 250,000 customers, including independent restaurants, government operations, healthcare and hospitality entities, educational institutions and prominent multi-unit restaurant companies. With approximately $19 billion in annualized revenue, the company is headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., and jointly owned by funds managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Inc. and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Discover more at www.usfoodservice.com.