INDEPENDENCE
To provide independence, the reporting relationships, authority and responsibility of The Schwan
Food Company’s Audit Services department are established by the Audit Committee on behalf of
the Board of Directors. The chief audit executive reports to the chief financial officer for
administrative purposes and also has full and independent access to the chief executive officer and
the Audit Committee. Personnel in The Schwan Food Company’s Audit Services department report
to the chief audit executive. The approval of the Audit Committee is required for the removal or
replacement of the chief audit executive. It is the policy of the Audit Committee to devote a portion
of each meeting to an executive session at which only the chief audit executive is present. In at least
two meetings per year, outside director members of the Audit Committee shall consult privately with