ORANGE COVE, CA -- A damaging freeze occurs in the citrus-growing areas of California about once every seven to 10 years, but when it does happen one of the bigger challenges facing the industry is trying to determine which fruit has been damaged by the freeze and cannot be packed, and which is good for sale.

Sometimes the damage is evident, but often a damaged orange or tangerine looks fine even to a trained observer -- until the fruit is cut open.

The Southeast Produce Council has a full program to offer the record crowd expected for its fourth annual conference and expo Feb. 22-24 in Tampa, FL.

As the March 19 national rollout date nears, the Produce for Better Health Foundation is putting the finishing touches on its new "More Matters" campaign.

WASHINGTON -- The Food & Drug Administration has the authority to regulate the produce industry, but it needs sufficient funds, staffing and research dollars to do the job, Tom Stenzel, president of United Fresh Produce Association, said at a Feb. 8 hearing on Capitol Hill.

At the first of a series of food-safety hearings planned in the powerful House Appropriations subcommittee, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) explored whether the current system needs to be overhauled to prevent future recalls and outbreaks.

As of Feb. 1, Mexican-grown Hass avocados that have met the required U.S. Department of Agriculture protocols may be shipped to California, Florida and Hawaii for the first time in some 80 years.

WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration is asking for a $10.6-million increase for food safety regulators to better investigate outbreaks related to fresh produce in next year's budget, including an initiative to place U.S. Food & Drug Administration and state inspectors in produce-growing areas.