BOUCHERVILLE, QC — An objective at Sobeys Quebec Inc. is to feature Quebec produce when it is in season, according to Pat Calabretta, the retailer’s senior director of produce branch purchasing and merchandising.

Sobeys, which operates under the IGA and IGA Extra banners in Quebec, advertises Quebec produce in its flyers every week it is in production, Mr. Calabretta said.

On July 21, when The Produce News called on Mr. Calabretta’s office, Quebec production was coming into full swing.

MIRABEL, QC — On first pass, it sounds like a marketing scheme from Madison Avenue. But down-to-earth Denis Bissonnette does not grin when he describes his new commodity: White turnips now come in red.

The president of Groupe Ethier Inc., located here, said that the white turnip, which is also known as a rabiole, is from “the same family as a rutabaga, but smaller. We have a new variety that is full-red.” Mr. Bissonnette added, “I have high hopes on the red” turnip. He has cooked and tasted it and predicts “it won’t take long” to catch on in the marketplace.

STE.-CLOTILDE-DE-CHATEAUGUAY, QC — Several variations of colored radishes are being introduced by Les Fermes du Soleil Inc., located here, less than an hour south of Montreal.

Marc-Andre Chenail, president of the company, said that the radishes are pink, red, white, purple and dark purple. Fermes du Soleil is introducing these variations to stores, “and we’ll see what happens.” The radishes are packed in various combinations to appeal to consumers.

WASHINGTON -- Federal health officials are warning consumers not to eat four brands of Mexican papayas imported by Agromod Produce, Inc. after a 23-state Salmonella outbreak appears to be linked to them.

The Food & Drug Administration also announced that it would increase sampling of imported papayas after finding that samples tested positive for Salmonella.

LONGUEUIL, QC - A brutally hot July in southern Quebec moderated with a cool breeze July 22 to make a very pleasant day for Quebec Produce Marketing Association's 53rd annual golf tournament.

Frank Musto, owner and president of Hartford, CT-based M&M Produce Inc., told The Produce News that the company continues to focus on its locally grown programs.

“We promote and follow the guidelines of the Connecticut Comes First initiative, which is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture,” said Mr. Musto. “Farmers in our region who support the program typically label their products with the program stickers, and we hand out materials to customers to further support the program.”