WASHINGTON -- New enforceable safety standards for fresh produce are due out next October, the Food & Drug Administration announced Dec. 7.

FDA plans to propose regulations for fresh produce safety at the farm and packinghouse based on lessons learned from Good Agricultural Practices and the July 2009 commodity-specific guidance documents.

S. Strock & Co. Inc., headquartered at the New England Produce Center in Chelsea, MA, hosted several hundred guests Dec. 3 at the grand opening of its new banana ripening and tropical produce facility. The facility, which is now fully operational, is located in Chelsea, but not on the produce center grounds.

OVIEDO, FL -- The "Dandy" brand Meyer lemon season in California is in full swing. Due to the growing popularity of the citrus fruit, Duda Farm Fresh Foods is offering a new, two- pound clamshell to provide retailers with added benefits for the citrus category.

WASHINGTON -- Tom Stenzel, United Fresh Produce Association's president and chief executive officer, released the following statement Dec. 15 on the introduction of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for Americas Security & Prosperity Act of 2009 by Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL):

YAKIMA, WA -- Domex Superfresh Growers announced in mid-December that it has pledged $15,000 to the Produce Marketing Association's Foundation for Industry Talent.

This funding is used to build programs designed to attract, develop and retain talent for the produce supply chain. Programs include internships, career ambassadors program, job bank, career resource center, event scholarships, leadership development opportunities and HR resources

WASHINGTON -- The United Fresh Produce Association congratulated Reps. Sam Farr (D-CA) and Adam Putnam (R-FL) on their introduction of the Children's Fruit & Vegetable Act of 2009 on Capitol Hill.

United Fresh President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Stenzel thanked the congressmen for their leadership on the bill, which now becomes a priority component of overall child nutrition legislation in 2010 reauthorizing the school lunch and breakfast programs.