WASHINGTON -- Federal food-safety officials publicized the release of the final guidelines for handling of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables on the same day U.S. Food & Drug Administration officials testified before Congress on produce safety.

FDA Commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach said that Americans should be eating fresh-cut produce as part of a healthy diet, but these products are one area where foodborne illnesses occur.

Chiquita Brands International Inc. issued a statement March 14 from Fernando Aguirre, chairman and chief executive officer, in response to an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the previously disclosed investigation of protection payments made by the company's former banana-producing subsidiary in Colombia: "The information filed today is part of a plea agreement, which we view as a reasoned solution to the dilemma the company faced several years ago.

Melissa's/World Variety Produce Inc. in Los Angeles began shipping Sicilian Tarocco oranges the week of March 12, and Robert Schueller, director of public relations for Melissa's, said that this season's crop is living up to its reputation for high quality.

Five Crowns Marketing in Brawley, CA, has announced plans to build what will be the Imperial Valley's first citrus packinghouse and to do its own marketing for the fruit packed in the facility. In conjunction with that expansion, the company has also announced the hiring of Mike Maler as vice president of retail sales.

Mango importers in the United States have entered a rare demand-exceeds- supply situation as shipments from Peru have just about stopped and the early part of the Mexican deal is marked by light supplies.

As Texas growers and shippers welcome the start of the onion season this year, they begin with a market that has demand exceeding supplies. In fact, as March began, 40-pound cartons of onions from Mexico saw an f.o.b. price above $30 - a number seen only once or twice over the last 35 years.