WASHINGTON — Produce businesses tuned in Aug. 30 for a United Fresh Produce Association-sponsored webinar to hear the latest news on the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s “current thinking” regarding implementing yet-to-be-released produce safety regulation.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s import alert issued Aug. 25, which requires papayas from Mexico to be detained until they can be tested for Salmonella contamination, does not apply to fruit from other countries, said a leading importer of papayas from Brazil.

In a departure from its typical cooperative activity, the California Tomato Farmers co-op has teamed with Subway on a promotion in all 3,000 of the food chain’s California stores to highlight locally grown tomatoes during the summer months of July, August and September.

“And depending upon supply, we are hoping that the promotion moves into October as well,” said Ed Beckman, chief executive officer of CTF, which represents about 85 percent of California’s field-grown tomatoes.

On the heels of the Aug. 22 suit it filed against the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. has filed a notice to sue Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division and one of its officials.

Tess Holzer

TESS HOLZER has joined Adam Bros. Produce Sales Inc.

SUN VALLEY, ID - The Idaho Potato Commission is getting ready to demonstrate to U.S. citizens the size and scope of potatoes from the Gem State with a cross-country tour featuring a depiction of the world's largest potato. The promotion will also help raise money for the national Meals on Wheels organization.