WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA -- Dole Fresh Fruit Co. announced Feb. 16 the recall of cantaloupes in the eastern United States and the Canadian province of Quebec due to potential health concerns.

Some cantaloupes packed on Jan. 25, 26 and 27 by an independent, third- party grower in Costa Rica have tested positive for Salmonella. Although no illnesses have been reported, Dole voluntarily has decided to recall all cantaloupes imported from Costa Rica and packed by that grower.

The California Leafy Greens Advisory Board has been appointed, and the first meeting is set for Feb. 23 in Woodland, CA. Soon after, the board is expected to approve new mandatory food safety standards that will govern all handlers who sign the agreement.

Though the California Department of Food & Agriculture has said that 90 percent of the leafy greens production in the state is represented, one major handler -- Fresh Express -- has declined to participate

It wasn't too long ago that "seat of the pants" might have been the best phrase to describe the retail produce marketing techniques employed by most suppliers. Retailers at least had their own data on which to rely, so their efforts could have been described as "advanced seat of the pants."

Welcome Sauer has been named to lead AgroFresh Inc.'s growing worldwide horticultural business, the company announced Feb. 12.

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.