The produce wholesaler named by Michigan authorities in an E. coli outbreak probe said that it will resume shipping Iceberg lettuce with new food-safety precautions, although it questions the epidemiological evidence that associated its lettuce with the outbreak in the first place.

On Sept. 26, Michigan officials named Detroit-based Aunt Mid's Produce Co. as the wholesaler responsible for selling bagged, industrial-sized packages of Iceberg lettuce that were served in restaurants and institutions, including colleges and a jail, where people got sick.

The National Apple Month program received an additional endorsement from the U.S. House of Representatives when it passed a resolution sponsored by Rep. Todd R. Platts (R-PA), supporting the goals and ideals of both National Apple Month and Apple Crunch, which is a national promotion targeting school-age children.

A one-day event celebrating Apple Crunch is scheduled for Oct. 29 sponsored by the Penn State Hershey Center for Nutrition & Activity Promotion in partnership with National Apple Month.

WASHINGTON -- The Food & Drug Administration has no formal fresh produce program, spends very little money on fresh produce issues and conducts few inspections, according to a new report by the General Accountability Office.

Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin has announced plans to retire in 2010 at the end of his current term. When he does, he will have served in the position for 10 four-year terms. He is the longest-serving commissioner of agriculture in the United States and the longest serving statewide official in Georgia.

"It's just two years and a couple of days away," Commissioner Irvin told The Produce News Sept. 25. "It will also mark over 54 years of service to the people of Georgia."

Baldor Specialty Foods Inc. announced that it is close to finalizing the acquisition of Merex Food Corp., a leading produce importer for the North American market.

Merex is a specialty food industry pioneer, having introduced exotic products to the mainstream market over 20 years ago.

Metro Inc., one of Canada's larger retail chains, has promoted two of its senior produce executives and has begun to restructure its operations in Ontario to make it the largest grocery banner in the province.

Bernadette Hamel, senior director for produce purchasing, merchandising and central procurement, was promoted to vice president of produce purchasing, merchandising and customer service for Quebec and central negotiations for Ontario and Quebec.