It’s an understatement to say that this is has been a most unusual year. But even with all of the upheaval and concern, there is a certain comfort to be taken from the regular routine of nature, from the welcome emergence of favorite and familiar flowers to the sheer enjoyment of the first fruits of the season. I swear one of the best strawberries I ever ate came from the first in-season quart I bought in May.

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections potentially linked to ALDI, Hy-Vee and Jewel-Osco grocery store brand “garden salads” containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and carrots. To date there have been a total of 76 illnesses and 16 hospitalizations.

United Fresh Live! week may have come to a close, but the event is by no means over.

“There is so much more that continues to live on the platform, and we encourage exhibitors and attendees to continue to take advantage of it this summer,” said Mary Coppola, vice president of marketing and communications for United Fresh Produce Association, on the final day of the virtual event.

The Produce Marketing Association has announced the launch of its eLearning certificate course Essentials of Produce Safety, an entirely online, affordable and in-depth program covering the key challenges and best practices in produce safety. The course is the first certificate program in PMA's new educational platform offering, FreshEd Academy. The course was developed in partnership with Intertek Alchemy, the industry leader in produce safety eLearning solutions.

Oppy’s popular Ocean Spray blueberries are ramping up to the peak of perfection just in time for July National Blueberry Month promotions.

StickyLickits announced its expansion into 189 Ralphs grocery stores, across Southern California. StickyLickits, all-natural edible stickers for kids is a fun, helpful solution for getting children to eat fresh fruits and vegetables.