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Sodexo Takes Action in Response to E. coli Outbreak in Germany

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^{Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, May 26th 2011 at 10:00 GMT by Market Wire}  

PARIS--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--RegulatoryNews:

Sodexo (PARIS: SW) (OTCBB: SDXAY) has taken a series of actions in response to an outbreak of infection caused by E. coli bacteria (E.coli enterohemorrhagic) that has occurred in Germany during the last several days, particularly in the north of the country. Among the symptoms associated with the infection is bleeding in the digestive system.

The bacteria may be present in vegetables and dairy and meat products. While even rigorous washing of vegetables may not eliminate the bacteria, it is destroyed by cooking or pasteurization.

This epidemic affects the entire food sector in Germany with transmission of the bacteria occurring through consumption of contaminated food. To date, however, German health authorities have not identified the source of the infection.

In response to the epidemiological alert, Sodexo mobilized its teams throughout its foodservices activities in Germany to take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of infection.

Reinforced monitoring and detailed analysis was immediately implemented with our food suppliers. No abnormalities have been detected thus far through testing.

As a precaution, all menu preparations that include raw vegetables have been replaced, pasteurized dairy products have been substituted for fresh dairy products and dishes containing raw meat have been removed from menus.

Sodexo also provides continuous information to its employees and its clients regarding the bacteria and symptoms of the disease it causes as well as the behaviors to reduce risk of infection in and outside of the workplace.

About Sodexo

Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Daily Life Solutions

Quality of Life services play an important role in the progress of individuals and the performance of organizations. Based on this conviction, Sodexo serves as the strategic partner for companies and institutions that place a premium on performance and well-being, as it has since Pierre Bellon founded the company in 1966. Sharing the same passion for service, Sodexoa™s 380,000 employees, in 80 countries design, manage and deliver an unrivaled range of On-site Service Solutions and Motivation Solutions. Sodexo has created a new form of service business that contributes to the economic, social and environmental development of the communities, regions and countries in which it operates and to the fulfillment of its employees.

Sodexo key figures (as of August 31, 2010)