CF Fresh is eagerly awaiting the first arrival of imported fresh organic garlic from Argentina, with the first shipment expected to arrive at the end of January.

The white garlic is well cured and has excellent size, with heads ranging from 56 to 75 millimeters. It is certified organic and packed in 22-pound plastic crates.

Argentine garlic is known for excellent flavor and quality, and this season's bumper crop is holding true to its reputation.

WASHINGTON — Produce was the second-leading cause of Salmonella reports during the first year of the Reportable Food Registry, the Food & Drug Administration said Jan. 21.

The agency released the first-ever report of the electronic portal that industry and health officials use to report serious food-safety incidents to the FDA. Congress directed the agency to establish the reporting mechanism as an early-warning system for problems in the food and feed supply chain.

PHILADELPHIA — Creating a boutique fruit import company involving a variety of unusual offerings requires a staff that is galvanized by diverse experience. That is the backbone for the creation of Marathon Fruit Distributors LLC, based here, according to David Skea, the firm's chief financial officer.

Mr. Skea told The Produce News that a team for a start-up must be multi- talented to bring a company quickly up to speed without enduring the expense of a large staff.

Wilbur (Will) Souza, founder of Babé Farms in Santa Maria, CA, died at Marian Medical Center in Santa Maria Jan. 21 following a long illness. He was 89. Mr. Souza was born June 23, 1921 in Santa Maria to Manuel Souza and Minnie Souza, née Freitas. He was raised on the Souza family farm in the Santa Maria Valley and attended local schools. Upon graduation from high school, he attended Cal Poly College in San Dimas, CA. In 1941, he joined the U.S. Navy and served as a naval aviator during World War II in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.

WASHINGTON -- The Senate has yet to convene this year, but Congress is already busy introducing legislation to help fruit and vegetable businesses play a role in beating back the obesity epidemic.

Key among Philadelphia's reasons for building what is expected to be the world’s most modern produce market is working from a facility that is totally temperature controlled. The construction is behind schedule, and Mother Nature is the only force controlling temperatures around the old market. The original plan was for the new market to open in moderate weather last October.