WASHINGTON — Authorities appear to be backing off early reports that organically grown Spanish cucumbers are the cause of an outbreak from a rare strain of E. coli that has killed at least 15 people and sickened more than 1,500 in Germany.

Hundreds of people have been hospitalized, many with severe kidney problems, as disease trackers believe the massive outbreak is attributed to an unusual E. coli serogroup O104, which has never been detected in the United States.

Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc. announced June 1 that it has once again been honored with the Superior Taste Award for its fresh-cut Del Monte Gold extra sweet pineapple by the International Taste & Quality Institute.

WASHINGTON — Effective May 24, Fresh Express pre-packaged salads were being sold nationwide with a new produce wash, Fresh Rinse, which Chiquita Brands International/Fresh Express said is 1 million times more effective than chlorine in wiping out E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella.

LOS ANGELES -- In anticipation of the release of Columbia Pictures' and Sony Pictures Animation's “The Smurfs,” set to open in theaters July 29, Gourmet Trading Co. is bringing the iconic characters to their packages of California and Oregon blueberries.

Labels featuring the Smurfs will also include a code for a gift-with-purchase offer.

Just in time for summer fun and delicious berries, California Giant Berry Farms has teamed up with America’s favorite pastime for its new Giant Fans of Baseball promotion, running from May 23 through July 11.

SALINAS, CA -- The Grower-Shipper Association of Central California held its annual meeting Thursday, May 26, at Corral de Tierra Country Club, here, where Sam McKinsey of Green Giant Fresh by Growers Express was inaugurated as its new chairman of the board in front of more than 100 members and dignitaries.