A formal complaint was filed by the union representing food service workers over an alleged conflict of interest in Mayo Clinic’s plan to switch to a new food service vendor, according to an article on the Albert Lea Tribune website.

Mayo Clinic announced a tentative decision to transition its food and nutrition services from Sodexo to Atlanta-based Morrison Healthcare.

Service Employees International Union Healthcare Minnesota filed the grievance that the decision to switch food vendor services was “primarily influenced by food services administrator Carol Gorman,” the article said. The union said it believes Carol Gorman has a conflict of interest due to a longstanding personal relationship with a Morrison executive.

In a statement, a Mayo Clinic Health System public affairs specialist said: “Mayo Clinic is reviewing the grievance claim and will respond as appropriate to the union through the normal process. Regardless of the claim, the decision was beyond the control of any single person. The decision was made by Mayo Clinic management team with input provided from all sites that have a food and nutrition program. Our primary focus is on supporting our food service teams throughout this transition.”

Read the article.