WASHINGTON -- The U.S. produce industry is hoping that European authorities can quickly identify the source of a massive outbreak tied to virulent form of E. coli, which is becoming the most deadly outbreak on record.

The European outbreak has now become the focus of U.S. national news stories during the 24-hour news cycle, just weeks after Germany began reporting people infected with the virulent, drug-resistant form of E. coli not seen in U.S. foods.

The Mexican pineapple industry recently concluded its best exporting season to the United States in recent memory, but it is already gearing up for an even a better year in 2012.

An informal survey of mango importers showed support for the assessment increase for the National Mango Board.

While none of the half-dozen people interviewed expressed strong reservations about the assessment increase, a couple of importers said that the rationale behind the increase needs to be explained a bit better to the grower community.

WASHINGTON -- First lady Michelle Obama, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Surgeon General Regina Benjamin unveiled the new MyPlate icon and vowed to kick off the health message starting with a "Make Half Your Plate Fruits and Vegetables" campaign.

Ms. Obama, speaking at the morning press conference June 2, said that the plate icon with different color-

Peruvian citrus exporters anticipate hitting record volume levels in 2011.

Sergio del Castillo, chief executive officer of Peru’s citrus trade group, ProCitrus, told The Produce News May 27 that Peru expects to export 70,000 metric tons of fresh citrus this year.

WEATHER

Salinas, CA: Daytime highs will remain in the low 60s through June 5, then bump into the mid-60s June 6-7. Overnight lows will be in the upper 40s to low 50s. There was a 20 percent chance of rain June 1, and rain showers are likely June 3-5.

Fresno, CA: Daytime temperatures will remain unseasonably cold through June 7 with highs in the low to mid-70s and overnight lows in the upper 40s to mid-50s. Historically, daytime highs in early June are in the 90s. There is a 20 percent chance of rain June 3 and a 40 percent chance June 4.