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New Cooling Technology from FPA
April 8, 2008 - Food Process Automation Inc., Grand Rapids, Mich., has introduced a new line of cooling technology to the fruit and vegetable industry.
Central American Produce Recalls Honduran-Grown Melons
March 26, 2008 - Central American Produce Inc. of Pompano Beach, Fla., has voluntarily recalled cantaloupes grown, packed and shipped by an independent third-party grower, Agropecuaria Montelibano of San Lorenzo Valle, Honduras.
No-Match Letters Move Forward
March 25, 2008 - The Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have proposed changes to a No-Match Rule that was shot down by a district judge last fall, clearing the way for no-match letters to be sent out this year.
Salmonella Outbreak Traced to Cantaloupes
March 22, 2008 - A salmonella outbreak in the United States and Canada has been asscociated with a Honduran melon grower. FDA
Alfalfa Sprouts Recalled in 4 States
March 4, 2008 - The California Department of Health Services (CDHS) is advising consumers not to eat Salad Cosmo brand alfalfa sprouts because the product may be contaminated with salmonella.
Leafy Greens Group Releases First Audit Report
Feb. 27, 2008 - Seven months after government inspectors began conducting mandatory food safety audits for members of the California Leafy Greens Handler Marketing Agreement, the organization has issued its first status report.
California Considers Amending Prop 65 for Food at Retail
Feb. 18, 2008 - The state of California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is responsible for implementing The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly referred to as Proposition 65.
Growers Can Weigh in on Proposed H-2A Rule Changes
Feb. 13, 2008 - Fred Leitz, a Michigan farmer and treasurer of the National Council of Agricultural Employers, is concerned about proposed changes to the H-2A labor program. He wants to get the word out to growers and encourage them to participate in the rulemaking process.
Labor department proposes H-2A overhaul
Feb. 8, 2008 - The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration and Employment Standards Administration jointly proposed rules Feb. 6 to modernize the H-2A program for employing foreign workers in temporary or seasonal agricultural jobs, according to the labor department.
Director Named for FDA Food Safety Center
Jan. 7, 2008 - Commissioner of Food and Drugs Andrew C. von Eschenbach named Stephen Sundlof director of FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN).
PMA's Brian Silbermann’s State of the Industry Speech Viewable Online
Nov. 28, 2007 - Produce Marketing Association (PMA) President Bryan Silbermann’s 2007 State of the Industry presentation, delivered at PMA’s Fresh Summit International Conference & Exposition on Oct. 13, is now available online at http://www.pma.com/events/soti.cfm. Click on the headline of this news piece to read excerpts from Silbermann's speech.
FDA Awards Grants to Further Food Safety
Nov. 19, 2007 - FDA's Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) has awarded three lab grants, designed to boost the food screening capabilities and spot radioactive material in food, resulting from deliberate or accidental contamination.
SSA Won't Mail No-match Letters This Year
Nov. 15, 2007 - The Social Security Administration will forgo issuing no-match letters to employers this year because of a pending lawsuit.
Council Seeks Food Supply
Nov. 13, 2007 - The Food Bank Council of Michigan has a dangerously low level of available food, caused by decreasing donations and increasing demand.
Veg Pro Expands with New Fresh-Cut Plant
Oct. 24, 2007 - Veg Pro International has completed an $11-million plant for salad mix and cut vegetable production in Sherrington, Montreal, Canada.
'No-match' Letters Halted Indefinitely
Oct. 11, 2007 - On Oct. 10, Judge Charles R. Breyer of the Northern District of California ordered a halt to a new rule that would force employers to fire workers if their Social Security numbers couldn’t be verified within three months.
USDA Considering National Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement
Oct. 4, 2007 - USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service entered a notice in the Federal Register Oct. 4 that the agency is considering a national marketing agreement for fresh and fresh-cut leafy greens.
PMA, United Fresh End Merger Discussions
Sept. 27, 2007 - The Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh Produce Association have announced that the organizations are ending any further discussion of a potential merger at this time, but will continue to cooperate in areas of mutual interest to each association’s members.
E. Coli Found in Dole Salad, Recall Announced
Sept. 18, 2007 - Dole Fresh Vegetables voluntarily recalled its Hearts Delight salad mix after a random sample at a Canadian grocery stored tested positive for E. coli O157:H7.
Burger King Announces Kid-Friendly Apple Fries
Sept. 17, 2007 - Burger King, the second largest chain of fast food restaurants in the United States, announced a new fresh-cut apple product aimed at children: BK Fresh Apple Fries.
HACCP Expert Named Director of Food Safety Center
Aug. 31, 2007 - Kerri Harris has been named the director of the Center for Food Safety at Texas A&M University.
Spinach from California Recalled
Aug. 30, 2007 - Metz Fresh, King City, Calif., announced a recall of fresh-cut bagged spinach after testing positive for salmonella.
Los Angeles Salad Company Expands Recall
Aug. 24, 2007 - Los Angeles Salad Company, City of Industry, Calif., announced a voluntary recall Aug. 17 after baby carrots contaminated with Shigella sickened four Costco customers in Canada. The company expanded the recall Aug. 22 to include baby carrots sold in the United States.
USDA Funds E. Coli Research
Aug. 21, 2007 - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced Tuesday, Aug. 21, that USDA would further its research on the safety of fresh produce with nearly $5.5 million in funding to support collaborative research to identify risk factors and preventive measures for E. coli O157:H7 contamination in fresh produce.
Costco Recalls Baby Carrots in Canada
Aug. 20, 2007 - Costco announced a voluntary recall of baby carrots sold at its stores in six Canadian provinces because they may be contaminated with Shigella.
Western Growers Names Head of D.C. Office
July 31, 2007 - Western Growers Association has selected Cathleen Enright to head the organization’s new Washington, D.C., office.
FDA Initiative to Enhance State Food Safety Programs
July 31, 2007 - FDA announced a national program that will bring about the adoption of more uniform, equivalent and high quality regulatory programs by state agencies responsible for regulating facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food under FDA’s jurisdiction.
True Leaf Issues Precautionary Recall
July 27, 2007 - True Leaf Farms issued a July 24 recall of some batches of spring mix and arugula after a preliminary lab test came back positive for salmonella.
Farm Bill Passes House Ag Committee
July 23, 2007 - The House Agriculture Committee passed a new Farm Bill July 20 that makes historic investments in conservation, nutrition and renewable energy while maintaining a strong safety net for America’s farmers and ranchers. Additionally, for the first time, the 2007 Farm Bill provides substantial funding for the fruit and vegetable industry.
PMA, United Fresh Discuss Possible Merger
July 20, 2007 - Leaders of United Fresh Produce Association and Produce Marketing Association met July 18 to discuss how the two produce associations could work closer together.
Golf Tournament Raises $40,000
July 19, 2007 - The Produce Marketing Association's annual golf tournament raised more than $40,000 for the PMA Education Foundation's Nucci Scholarship for Culinary Innovation.
Leafy Greens Board Releases Service Mark
July 19, 2007 - The California Leafy Green Handler Marketing Board released a new service mark that will appear on the bills of lading of member companies.
Postharvest Center Hires Executive Director from UFPA
July 3, 2007 - Jim Gorny has been named executive director of the Postharvest Technology Research and Information Center at the University of California, Davis.
U.S., Europe partners in food safety
July 2, 2007 - Food safety efforts are moving forward with the July 2 announcement that FDA and the European Food Safety Authority have signed a cooperation agreement.
Gills Onions Recall Announced
June 21, 2007 - Oxnard, Calif.-based Gills Onions is recalling one lot of diced yellow onions after a Listeria monocytogenes finding.
Salmonella Find Prompts Sprout Recall
May 30, 2007 - Salad Cosmo U.S.A., Dixon, Calif., is recalling packages of alfalfa sprouts after routine testing found salmonella in alfalfa seeds.
Senate Democrats, Republicans Reach Agreement on Immigration
May 17, 2007 - A bipartisan coalition of Senate Democrats and Republicans has reached agreement on immigration reform.
New Food Safety Position Created at FDA
May 2, 2007 - David Acheson has been named FDA’s assistant commissioner for food protection.
Foxy Foods, Taylor Fresh Foods Merge
April 5, 2007 - Foxy Foods and Taylor Fresh Foods announced April 5 that they have agreed to merge Foxy Foods fresh produce processing operations into Taylor Fresh Foods.
FDA Commissioner to Speak at Produce Safety Summit
March 29, 2007 - FDA Chief Andrew von Eschenbach will keynote the opening session at the new Produce Safety Summit in Palm Springs, Calif. The summit will take place April 25-26, immediately before United FreshTech Expo & Conference.
FDA Finalizes Report On 2006 Spinach Outbreak
March 23, 2007 - FDA and California’s Department of Health Services released a joint report on an extensive investigation into the causes of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak last fall that was associated with contaminated Dole brand bagged spinach and resulted in 205 confirmed illnesses and three deaths.
FDA Releases Fresh-Cut Safety Guidance
March 12, 2007 - FDA released a draft of the final Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards of Fresh-cut Fruits and Vegetables March 12.
BJ's Private Label Mushrooms Not Contaminated
March 7, 2007 - Results from two outside laboratories have found no trace of E. coli in BJ’s Wholesale Club’s fresh mushrooms packaged under the private label brand Wellsley Farms.
Fresh-Cut Fruit Trays Recalled in Los Angeles
March 2, 2007 - Simply Fresh Fruit Inc. is recalling Simply Fresh Fruit Fresh Cut Fruit trays dated with sell by date Feb. 26 due to possible salmonella contamination.
Rutgers Study Finds Food Safety Confusion
Feb. 19, 2007 - A study by Rutgers University Food Policy Institute found that many U.S. consumers were aware of the September 2006 advisory regarding possible contamination of spinach, but there was confusion about which products were affected and when the recall was over.
FDA Announces Recall Pilot Program
Feb. 19, 2007 - In order to better inform customers in the event of a recall, FDA has introduced a pilot program that will help consumers identify recalled products.
FDA Close to Identifying Cause of Taco John E. coli Outbreak
Jan. 12, 2007 - FDA is narrowing its focus on the 2006 Taco John’s E. coli outbreak to the Central Valley of California.
FDA Opens Taco Bell E. Coli Investigation
Dec. 8, 2006 - FDA announced Dec. 6 that it was investigating all non-meat products used in Taco Bell’s food after 43 people became infected with E. coli O157:H7 after eating at the restaurant chain.
Spinach Research and Recovery Act Introduced
Dec. 8, 2006 - Rep. Sam Farr, D-Calif., and 11 cosponsors have introduced the "Spinach Research and Recovery Act" (H.R. 6379) to address food safety and industry needs following the recent spinach E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak.
Krisp-Pak Recalls All Branded Products
Nov. 30, 2006 - Krisp-Pak Co. announced a voluntary recall of all its branded products Nov. 27, because they might be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Canada Opens Border to U.S. Spinach
Nov. 1, 2006 - Canadian health officials have reopened the border to almost all shipments of spinach grown in the United States.
Health Officials Investigating Salmonella Outbreak
Nov. 1, 2006 - The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating an outbreak of salmonella that has made 171 people sick in 19 states.
Mexico Opens Border to U.S. Lettuce
Oct. 19, 2006 - The Mexican government announced Oct. 19 that it would reopen the border to shipments of lettuce from California.
Search Narrowed in E. coli Contamination Investigation
Oct. 16, 2006 - FDA has narrowed the source of the recent E. coli outbreak to four fields in two California counties.
Mexico Bans U.S. Lettuce
Oct. 10, 2006 - Mexico has stopped allowing imports of lettuce from the United States, according to a statement from the Mexican secretary of health.
Lettuce Recall Issued After E. coli Found in Irrigation Water
Oct. 9, 2006 - Salinas, Calif.-based The Nunes Company issued a voluntary recall of its green leaf lettuce Oct. 8 after a water source tested positive for E. coli.
FBI Searches Two California Plants in E. coli Investigation
Oct. 5, 2006 - On Oct. 4, FBI agents executed a search warrant on two processing facilities in the Salinas Valley of California, the region implicated in the recent E. coli outbreak.
Progress Made in Return of Spinach to the Market
Sept. 22, 2006 - With the source of the E. coli contamination in raw spinach narrowed down to a three-county area in California, sales of spinach from other growing regions may begin soon.
Three California Counties Source of E. coli, FDA Says
Sept. 22, 2006 - The FDA has narrowed down the source of the E. coli outbreak to three counties in California.
E. coli Found in Bag of Spinach, More States Affected
Sept. 21, 2006 - The New Mexico Department of Health announced Thursday, Sept. 21, that it has confirmed E. coli in a bagged spinach product. The spinach was retrieved from the house of a patient who consumed it before becoming ill.
FDA to Narrow Scope of E. coli Investigation by Friday, Sept. 22
Sept. 20, 2006 - According to the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) on Sept. 20, the FDA will narrow down the source of E. coli contamination to a specific growing area in 24 to 48 hours.
E. coli Outbreak Leads to Nationwide Spinach Recall
Sept. 18, 2006 - Two California companies have issued voluntary recalls of spinach products following an FDA investigation into the nationwide E. coli outbreak.
FDA Advises Consumers to Toss Out Bagged Spinach
Sept. 15, 2006 - The FDA announced Sept. 14 that due to an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7, consumers should dispose of all bagged spinach products and all salad mixes that include spinach
United Fresh Merger Official
Sept. 13, 2006 - The merger between United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association and the International Fresh-cut Produce Association became official Sept. 12 during the Washington Public Policy Conference. The new organization is known as United Fresh Produce Association, or just United Fresh.
Lettuce Safety Initiative to Include Inspections in Salinas
Aug. 28, 2006 - The FDA announced Aug. 24 that it would begin inspecting lettuce operations in California’s Salinas Valley. Beginning Monday, Aug. 28, FDA and the California departments of health services and food and agriculture will make announced visits to lettuce-growing operations and packing and processing facilities.
United Fresh Produce Association Announces European Fresh-Cut Conference
Aug. 21, 2006 - The new United Fresh Produce Association – formed by the merger of the International Fresh-cut Produce Association and United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association – will hold its first conference and networking event Nov. 2-3 in London, focused on the growing fresh-cut, ready-to-eat produce market in Europe.
Classic Salads Recalls Bagged Salads
Aug. 3, 2006 - Classic Salads, Watsonville, Calif., announced a voluntary recall at 3 p.m. July 27 after Salmonella was found in some of its bagged salads, said sales manager Lex Camany.
Final Rule on Nutrition Labeling Published
July 26, 2006 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's final rule for voluntary nutrition labeling regulations for the 20 most frequently consumed raw fruits and 20 most frequently consumed vegetables was published in the July 25 Federal Register.
Dole Settles Lawsuit Over Last Year's E. Coli Outbreak
June 30, 2006 - Salina, Calif.-based Dole Fresh Vegetable announced June 13 that it had reached a settlement with nine consumers who were made sick by contaminated bags of Dole salads.
Senate Passes Immigration Reform Bill
May 26, 2006 - On May 25, the U.S. Senate voted 62 to 36 to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill.
IFPA, United Members Approve Merger
May 8, 2006 - Members of the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association and the International Fresh-cut Produce Association have voted in support of the two associations merging.
Industry Groups Release Lettuce Safety Guidance Document
April 25, 2006 - The International Fresh-cut Produce Association, Produce Marketing Association, United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association and Western Growers released “Commodity Specific Food Safety Guidelines for the Lettuce and Leafy Greens Supply Chain” on April 25.
United, IFPA Announce Intent to Merge
April 19, 2006 - The United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association and the International Fresh-cut Produce Association announced Wednesday that they intend to merge, to be called United Fresh Produce Association upon completion of the merger.
United Farm Workers' Contract Covers H-2A Workers
April 13, 2006 - The United Farm Workers and a key supplier of farm labor from foreign countries announced April 11 they have signed “the first nationwide union contract protecting agricultural guest workers.”
House of Representatives Passes Food Labeling Bill
March 15, 2006 - On March 9, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the National Uniformity for Food Act of 2005 (HR 4167) with a 283-139 vote.
Produce Groups to Hold Lettuce Safety Meeting
March 6, 2006 - On Wed., March 29, a number of produce industry associations will co-sponsor a one-day training event for operations, quality assurance and ranch managers as well as anyone interested in integrated systems and measures to ensure the safety of whole and fresh-cut lettuce and leafy greens.
FDA Issues Draft Guidance for the Safe Production of Fresh-Cut Produce
March 1, 2006 - To minimize microbial food safety hazards common to the processing of most fresh-cut fruits and vegetables sold to consumers in a ready-to-eat form, the FDA has published a draft guidance document for producers of fresh-cut produce titled “Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards of Fresh-cut Fruits and Vegetables.”
Sunkist Growers, Taylor Partner in Fresh-Cut Fruit Venture
March 1, 2006 - Two of the biggest names in fresh produce are teaming up to expand their presence in the fast-growing fresh-cut fruit category.
Fresh Del Monte Stock Climbs at Reports of Sale
Dec. 16, 2005 - Shares of Fresh Del Monte Produce rose Friday after reports that the company is on the auction block and could sell for about $1.8 billion, according to an Associated Press report.
Chiquita to Consolidate Midwest Fresh-cut Fruit Processing Capacity
Dec. 14, 2005 - Chiquita Brands International announced Dec. 6 that it would close processing facilities in Manteno, Ill., and Kansas City, Mo., by February 2006 as part of a supply chain optimization plan.
Wendy’s Pulls Fresh Fruit From Menu
Dec. 2, 2005 - Wendy’s International pulled its fresh-cut fruit bowl off the menus of its 6,400 North American restaurants Nov. 1, because sales were lagging, according to a recent Reuters article.
FDA Issues Letter To California Lettuce Industry
Nov. 4, 2005 - The FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition has issued a letter to California firms that grow, pack, process or ship fresh and fresh-cut lettuce regarding outbreaks associated with the consumption of fresh and fresh-cut lettuce and other leafy greens
Dole Fresh Vegetables Announces Voluntary Recall
Oct. 3, 2005 - Dole Fresh Vegetables announced Oct. 1 that it is cooperating with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Minnesota and California state departments of health in an investigation of an outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7 in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area of Minnesota.
Prices Driving Higher To Transport Fresh-Cut
Sept. 23, 2005 - Like many industries, the produce and fresh-cut business has been hit hard lately by rising transportation costs and truck and driver shortages. Industry insiders weren’t clear about the impact higher costs and fewer trucks would have on the future, but they were sure of one thing: Rising prices will eventually be passed on to the consumer.
Dole to Build Fresh-Vegetable Processing Plant in North Carolina
Aug. 4, 2005 - Dole has announced it will build a fresh-vegetable processing plant in North Carolina.
House Passes CAFTA in a 217-215 Vote
July 28, 2005 - The CAFTA-DR free trade agreement passed the U.S. House of Representatives in a 217-215 cliffhanger vote early today. Only 15 Democrats supported the trade pact; 27 Republicans opposed it. The vote came a month after the pact passed the U.S. Senate in a 54-45 vote.
Chiquita Completes Acquisition of Fresh Express
July 5, 2005 - Chiquita Brands International has completed its previously announced acquisition of the Fresh Express unit of Performance Food Group.
IFPA Hires New VP for Technical Services
June 30, 2005 - The International Fresh-cut Produce Association has hired David Gombas as its new vice president for technical services.
Bolthouse Farms For Sale at Auction
June 8, 2005 - The family-owned carrot empire, William Bolthouse Farms Inc. of Bakersfield, Calif., has “put itself up for auction” and is listed on the Internet Web site Thedeal.com, which valued the enterprise at more than $700 million.
Chiquita Announces Delay in Fresh Express Acquisition
April 28, 2005 - Chiquita Brands International announced April 25 that its $855 million acquisition of Fresh Express may be delayed because of legal issues.
USDA Releases New Food Pyramid System
April 22, 2005 - The USDA unveiled MyPyramid, a new symbol and interactive food guidance system, on April 19.
Ready Pac Announces Plant Consolidation
March 10, 2005 - Ready Pac has announced it will be shutting down production in its Spreckels, Calif. facility, the smaller of the Salinas facilities that it acquired in its recent merger with Salad Time.
Urschel Netherlands Expansion
March 10, 2005 - Founded in 1986, Urschel International Ltd. Nederland has announced a significant addition, adding 50 percent more area.
Food Safety Summit March 16-18
March 10, 2005 - The 7th Annual Food Safety Summit will be held March 16-18 at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center. The three-day event provides food manufacturers, processors and restaurant and foodservice professionals with the latest updates on new technologies as well as updates on regulatory and scientific issues in food safety, food security and bioterrorism and other topics.
Key Technology Acquires Freshline Machines
March 10, 2005 - Key Technology has announced the acquisition of Freshline Machines Pty Ltd., the leading designer and manufacturer of food processing systems for the fresh-cut industry worldwide. With an extensive product line that features patented centrifugal dryers and integrated processing lines, Australian-based Freshline is respected for innovative, reliable technology. Key offers a compatible line of high quality food processing equipment and adds to the value proposition with world-class project engineering and a comprehensive sales and service organization.
Monsanto to Acquire Seminis
Jan. 25, 2005 - Monsanto Co. announced Jan. 24 that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire Seminis for $1.4 billion in cash and assumed debt, plus a performance-based payment of up to $125 million payable by the end of fiscal year 2007.
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