<SUBMISSION>
<ACCESSION-NUMBER>0000912057-01-519684
<TYPE>S-8
<PUBLIC-DOCUMENT-COUNT>3
<FILING-DATE>20010613
<EFFECTIVENESS-DATE>20010613
<FILER>
<COMPANY-DATA>
<CONFORMED-NAME>LANDEC CORP \CA\
<CIK>0001005286
<ASSIGNED-SIC>0100
<IRS-NUMBER>943025618
<STATE-OF-INCORPORATION>CA
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>1031
</COMPANY-DATA>
<FILING-VALUES>
<FORM-TYPE>S-8
<ACT>33
<FILE-NUMBER>333-62866
<FILM-NUMBER>1659738
</FILING-VALUES>
<BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>3603 HAVEN AVE
<CITY>MENLO PARK
<STATE>CA
<ZIP>94025
<PHONE>4152613697
</BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<MAIL-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>3603 HAVEN AVE
<CITY>MINLO PARK
<STATE>CA
<ZIP>94025
</MAIL-ADDRESS>
</FILER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>S-8
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>a2051743zs-8.htm
<DESCRIPTION>FORM S-8
<TEXT>

<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE> Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION
</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" LINK=BLUE  VLINK=PURPLE>
<BR>
<FONT SIZE=3 ><A HREF="#01PAL1958_1">QuickLinks</A></FONT>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 13, 2001  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><B> Registration No. 333-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Washington, D.C. 20549  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>FORM S-8<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
Under<BR>
The Securities Act of 1933  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>LANDEC CORPORATION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>California<BR> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(State of Incorporation)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>94-3025618</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)<BR></FONT>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>3603 Haven Avenue<BR>
Menlo Park, CA 94025-1010<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Address of principal executive offices) </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Non-Plan Stock Option<BR>
1996 Stock Option Plan<BR>
New Executive Stock Option Plan<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Full Title of the Plans) </FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="CENTER" WIDTH="120">
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Gary T. Steele<BR>
President&nbsp;&amp; Chief Executive Officer<BR>
Landec Corporation<BR>
3603 Haven Avenue<BR>
Menlo Park, CA 94025-1010<BR>
(650)&nbsp;306-1650<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Name, address and telephone number, including area code, of Agent for Service) </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Copy to:<BR>
Geoffrey P. Leonard, Esq.<BR>
Orrick, Herrington&nbsp;&amp; Sutcliffe LLP<BR>
1020 Marsh Road<BR>
Menlo Park, California 94025<BR>
(650)&nbsp;614-7400  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>Page 1 of 10<BR>
Exhibit Index on Page 8<BR>
(Calculation of Registration Fee on following page) </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ba1958_calculation_of_registration_fee"> </A>
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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="33%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title of Securities to be Registered<BR> </B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount<BR>
to be<BR>
Registered(1)<BR> </B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed<BR>
Maximum Offering<BR>
Price Per Share<BR> </B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="20%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed<BR>
Maximum Aggregate<BR>
Offering Price<BR> </B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount of<BR>
Registration<BR>
Fee<BR> </B></FONT><BR></TH>
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<TD WIDTH="33%"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Non-Plan Stock Option</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=1><BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common Stock Issuable upon<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exercise of Outstanding Option</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1>790,000 Shares</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1>$6.25(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="20%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1>$4,937,500(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1>$1,235</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=9 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="33%"><FONT SIZE=1><B>1996 Stock Option Plan</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=1><BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common Stock Reserved for Grant of<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional Options</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1>500,000 Shares</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1>$4.00(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="20%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1>$2,000,000(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1>$500</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=9 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
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<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="33%"><FONT SIZE=1><B>New Executive Stock Option Plan</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=1><BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common Stock Reserved for Grant of Option</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1>210,000 Shares</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1>$4.00(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="20%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;$840,000(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1>$210</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=1>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=1>This
Registration Statement shall also cover any additional shares of Common Stock which become issuable under any of the Plans being registered pursuant to this Registration
Statement by reason of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or any other similar transaction effected without the receipt of consideration which results in an increase in the number of
the Registrant's outstanding shares of Common Stock.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=1>(2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=1>Pursuant
to Rule&nbsp;457(h)(1) under the Securities Act, the proposed maximum offering price per share and the proposed maximum aggregate offering price have been calculated on
the basis of $6.25 per share, the exercise price of the stock options.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=1>(3)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=1>Estimated
in accordance with Rules&nbsp;457(c) and 457(h) under the Securities Act solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee. The computation with respect to
unissued options is based upon average high and low sale prices of the Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market on June&nbsp;7, 2001. </FONT></DD></DL>
<BR>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>2</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1958_part_i"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1958_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PART I    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1958_item_1._plan_information"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1958_2"> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 1. Plan Information*    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1958_item_2._registrant_information__ite02621"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1958_3"> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information.*    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Information
required by Part&nbsp;I to be contained in the Section&nbsp;10(a) prospectus is omitted from this Registration Statement in accordance with
Rule&nbsp;428 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") and the Note to Part&nbsp;I of Form&nbsp;S-8. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1958_part_ii"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1958_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PART II    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1958_item_3._incorporation_o__de102184"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1958_5"> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 3. Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") are hereby incorporated by reference: </FONT></P>

<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;The
Registrant's Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K, for the fiscal year ended October&nbsp;29, 2000; and </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;The
Registrant's annual meeting proxy statement filed with the Commission on February&nbsp;26, 2001; and </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;The
description of the Registrant's Common Stock contained in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;8-A filed with the Commission on
December&nbsp;21, 1995 including any subsequent amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such information; and </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)&nbsp;All
other reports filed pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act since the end of the fiscal year set forth in (a)&nbsp;above. </FONT></P>

</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All
documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment
which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration
Statement and to be part hereof from the date of filing such documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be
modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any subsequently filed document which also is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration
Statement. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1958_item_4._description_of_securities"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1958_6"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 4. Description of Securities    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1958_item_5._interests_of_named_experts_and_counsel"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1958_7"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Certain matters with respect to the legality of the issuance of the Common Stock registered hereby will be passed upon for the Registrant by Orrick,
Herrington&nbsp;&amp; Sutcliffe LLP, Menlo Park, California. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1958_item_6._indemnification_of_directors_and_officers"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1958_8"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Registrant's Articles of Incorporation reduce the liability of a director to the corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for breaches of his
or her fiduciary duty of care to the fullest
extent permissible under California law (the "California Law"). Under the California Law, a director's liability to a company or its shareholders may not be limited with respect to the following
items: (i)&nbsp;acts or omissions that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing and culpable violation of law, (ii)&nbsp;acts or </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>3</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>
omissions that a director believes to be contrary to the best interests of the company or its shareholders or that involve the absence of good faith on the part of the director, (iii)&nbsp;any
transaction from which a director derived an improper personal benefit, (iv)&nbsp;acts or omissions that show a reckless disregard for the director's duty to the company or its shareholders in
circumstances in which the director was aware, or should have been aware, in the ordinary course of performing a director's duties, of a risk of a serious injury to the company or its shareholders,
(vi)&nbsp;contracts or transactions between the company and a director within the scope of Section&nbsp;310 of the California Law or (vii)&nbsp;improper dividends, loans and guarantees under
Section&nbsp;316 of the California Law. The limitation of liability does not affect the availability of injunctions and other equitable remedies available to the Registrant's shareholders for any
violation by a director of the director's fiduciary duty to the Registrant or its shareholders. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Bylaws of the Registrant further provide for indemnification of corporate agents to the maximum extent permitted by the California Law. In addition, the Registrant has entered
into Indemnification Agreements with its officers and directors. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1958_item_7._exemption_from_registration_claimed"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1958_9"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1958_item_8._exhibits"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1958_10"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 8. Exhibits    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;See Exhibit Index on page 8. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1958_item_9._undertakings"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1958_11"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 9. Undertakings    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes: </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;to
file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement: </FONT></P>

<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;to
include any prospectus required by Section&nbsp;10(a)(3) of the Securities Act; </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;to
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective
amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high and of the estimated
maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule&nbsp;424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than
a 20&nbsp;percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective Registration Statement; and </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;to
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such
information in the Registration Statement. </FONT></P>

</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>provided,
however, that clauses (1)(i)&nbsp;and (1)(ii)&nbsp;shall not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those clauses is contained in
periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or Section&nbsp;15(d) of the 1934 Act that are incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;that,
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new Registration
Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>4</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)&nbsp;to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to
Section&nbsp;13(a) or Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be
a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in a successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered
hereunder, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by itself is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>5</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="jc1958_signatures"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_jc1958_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SIGNATURES    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form&nbsp;S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Menlo
Park, State of California, on this 13th&nbsp;day of June, 2001. </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3><FONT SIZE=2>LANDEC CORPORATION</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
(Registrant)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>GARY T. STEELE</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>Gary T. Steele<BR>
President&nbsp;&amp; Chief Executive Officer</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>6</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="je1958_power_of_attorney"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_je1958_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Gary&nbsp;T. Steele and Gregory&nbsp;S.
Skinner, jointly and severally, his or her attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with the power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place or
stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8, and to file such amendments, together with exhibits and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting to each attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act
and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully as he or she might or could do in person, and ratifying and confirming all that the
attorney-in-facts and agents, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates
indicated. </FONT></P>

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<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="46%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Signature</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="28%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Date</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="46%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><BR><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="28%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="46%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>GARY T. STEELE</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Gary T. Steele</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="28%"><FONT SIZE=2>President and Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>October&nbsp;31, 2000</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="46%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>GREGORY S. SKINNER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Gregory S. Skinner</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="28%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
October&nbsp;31, 2000</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="46%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>STEPHEN E. HALPRIN</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Stephen E. Halprin</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="28%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
October&nbsp;23, 2000</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="46%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>KIRBY L. CRAMER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Kirby L. Cramer</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="28%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
October&nbsp;23, 2000</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="46%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>RICHARD S. SCHNEIDER, PH.D.</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Richard S. Schneider, Ph.D.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="28%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
October&nbsp;31, 2000</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="46%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>RICHARD DULUDE</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Richard Dulude</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="28%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
October&nbsp;23, 2000</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>7</FONT></P>

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NAME="page_ka1958_1_8"> </A> </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ka1958_index_to_exhibits"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ka1958_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>INDEX TO EXHIBITS    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit<BR>
Number<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="79%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Page No.</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
5.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="79%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Opinion of Orrick, Herrington&nbsp;&amp; Sutcliffe LLP</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
9</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="79%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Orrick, Herrington&nbsp;&amp; Sutcliffe LLP (contained in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
9</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="79%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young LLP, Independent Auditors</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
10</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
24.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="79%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Powers of Attorney (see p.&nbsp;7)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>8</FONT></P>

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<BR>
<P><br><A NAME="01PAL1958_1">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ba1958_1">CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1958_1">PART I</A></FONT><BR>
<UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1958_2">Item 1. Plan Information</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1958_3">Item 2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information.</A></FONT><BR>
</UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1958_4">PART II</A></FONT><BR>
<UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1958_5">Item 3. Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1958_6">Item 4. Description of Securities</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1958_7">Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1958_8">Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1958_9">Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1958_10">Item 8. Exhibits</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1958_11">Item 9. Undertakings</A></FONT><BR>
</UL>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_jc1958_1">SIGNATURES</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_je1958_1">POWER OF ATTORNEY</A></FONT><BR>
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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ka1958_1">INDEX TO EXHIBITS</A></FONT><BR>
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<TYPE>EX-5.1
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>a2051743zex-5_1.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 5.1
<TEXT>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="kc1958_exhibit_5.1_(opinion_of_counsel)"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_kc1958_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT 5.1 (OPINION OF COUNSEL)    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>June&nbsp;13, 2001 </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>Landec
Corporation<BR>
3603 Haven Avenue<BR>
Menlo Park, CA 94025 </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2>Re:</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Registration
Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8<BR>
Landec Corporation<BR>
Non-Plan Stock Option<BR>
1996 Stock Option Plan<BR>
New Executive Stock Option Plan </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>Ladies
and Gentlemen: </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At
your request, we are rendering this opinion in connection with the proposed issuance of up to 1,500,000 shares of common stock ("Common Stock") upon exercise of options granted
pursuant to (i)&nbsp;a Non-Plan option agreement of Landec Corporation, a California corporation (the "Company"), (ii)&nbsp;the 1996 Stock Option Plan of the Company and
(ii)&nbsp;the New Executive Stock Option Plan of the Company (the Non-Plan option agreement, the 1996 Stock Option Plan and the New Executive Stock Option Plan are referred to herein
collectively as the "Plans"). </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
have examined instruments, documents, and records which we deemed relevant and necessary for the basis of our opinion hereinafter expressed. In such examination, we have assumed
the following: (a)&nbsp;the authenticity of original documents and the genuineness of all signatures; (b)&nbsp;the conformity to the
originals of all documents submitted to us as copies; and (c)&nbsp;the truth, accuracy and completeness of the information, representations and warranties contained in the records, documents,
instruments and certificates we have reviewed. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Based
on such examination, we are of the opinion that the 1,500,000 shares of Common Stock to be issued by the Company upon exercise of options granted pursuant to the Plans have been
validly authorized and, when issued in accordance with the provisions of the Plans, will be legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to this Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8. In giving such consent, we do not consider that we are
"experts" within the meaning of such term as used in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission issued thereunder, with respect to
any part of the Registration Statement, including this opinion as an exhibit or otherwise. </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2>Very truly yours,</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
ORRICK, HERRINGTON&nbsp;&amp; SUTCLIFFE LLP</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2>/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>ORRICK, HERRINGTON &amp; SUTCLIFFE LLP</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>9</FONT></P>

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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_kc1958_1">EXHIBIT 5.1 (OPINION OF COUNSEL)</A></FONT><BR>
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<TYPE>EX-23.2
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>a2051743zex-23_2.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 23.2
<TEXT>

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NAME="ke1958_exhibit_23.2"> </A>
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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT 23.2    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ke1958_consent_of_independent_auditors"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ke1958_2"> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) in connection with the registration of 790,000 shares for the
Non-Plan Stock Option, 500,000 shares for the 1996 Stock Option Plan, and 210,000 shares for the New Executive Stock Option Plan of Landec Corporation, of our report dated
December&nbsp;22, 2000, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Landec Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form&nbsp;10-K) for the year ended
October&nbsp;29, 2000 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>/s/
Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young LLP </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>Ernst&nbsp;&amp;
Young LLP<BR>
San Francisco, California<BR>
June&nbsp;7, 2001 </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>10</FONT></P>

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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ke1958_1">EXHIBIT 23.2</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ke1958_2">CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS</A></FONT><BR>
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