Leading the Way: Sodexho USA Makes the Switch to Trans Fat Free Products

GAITHERSBURG, MD, September 1, 2005-Sodexho USA (NYSE: SDX), the nation's leading provider of food and facilities management services, announced today its conversion to trans fat free oil products (containing zero grams of trans fat per serving as defined by the FDA) in its food service operations nationwide. This change marks a significant shift away from trans fatty acids (unsaturated fatty acids created during the hydrogenation process), which have been proven to increase Low-Density Lipoproteins, also known as “bad cholesterol.”

“As more information becomes available on the risks posed by trans fatty acids, Sodexho felt we owed it to our customers to find a way to serve them more responsibly by using healthier alternatives in our food offerings,” said Deborah Hecker, vice president of strategic planning for Sodexho and chair of the Sodexho Wellness Council. “With the many health issues our nation is facing today such as heart disease and child obesity, Sodexho continues to keep the well-being of our customers as the main priority when deciding which food products to offer and the methods by which they are to be prepared.”

Sodexho is making the conversion to trans fat free products prior to the January 2006 deadline set by the FDA for mandatory placement of trans fat content on all nutritional labels of consumer products. This initiative is also aligned with the USDA's nutritional recommendations for adults and children set by My Pyramid, which emphasizes more whole grains, fruits and vegetables, while minimizing oils.

Sodexho is working with its culinarians, dietitians, supply management personnel and vendors to provide customers with trans fat free foods as well as products used in food preparation, while still maintaining the overall taste and quality of the food. This effort includes, but is not limited to the use of shortenings and oils, margarines and spreads, pan and grill oils and salad oils that do not contain trans fatty acids.

Sodexho USA (www.sodexhoUSA.com) is the leading provider of food and facilities management in the United States, with $6 billion in annual revenue and 120,000+ employees. Sodexho USA offers innovative outsourcing solutions in food service, housekeeping, grounds keeping, plant operations and maintenance, asset management, and laundry services to more than 6,000 corporations, health care, long term care and retirement centers, schools, college campuses, military and remote sites in North America. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD, Sodexho USA proudly serves as the official food service provider for the US Marine Corps.