On Friday, Sept. 29, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration issued a warning to consumers not to drink Bolthouse Farms 100% Carrot Juice, 450 milliliter and one-liter plastic bottles, with "Best If Used By" dates of Nov. 11, 2006 or earlier.

The FDA's warning followed the fourth case of botulism being linked to Bakersfield, CA-based Bolthouse Farms brand carrot juice.

Steve Grinstead, president and chief executive officer of Monterey, CA-based Pro*Act, has partnered with others to launch National Distribution Group LLC, a newly formed Dallas-based holding company whose primary focus is to acquire or start up regional produce distribution companies.

Pro*Act is a leading fresh produce supplier to the foodservice industry. Mr. Grinstead told The Produce News that he will retain his role with Pro*Act while adding the titles of president and CEO of NDG. Mr. Grinstead said that he would be spending a good deal of time in the Dallas area.

WASHINGTON -- In a last-ditch effort to shine a light on the issue before Congress returns home to campaign, Sens. Larry Craig (R-ID) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) urged the Republican leadership not to pass tough border enforcement legislation without responding to farmers reeling from farm labor shortages and crop losses.

WASHINGTON -- With the investigation narrowed to one fresh spinach processor, the Food & Drug Administration announced Sept. 29 that it cleared spinach for sale with the exception of bags that were part of several recalls.

Black River Produce in North Springfield, VT, has joined Nashville-based Produce Alliance, a leading produce management group dedicated to marketing high-quality goods and services in the produce sector.

In a press release, Steve Birge, co-founder of Black River Produce, said, "We partnered with Produce Alliance because of its purchasing power. With close to $1 billion in sales revenue, we have the strength in numbers to supply our customers with the highest-quality product available at competitive prices."

In a program quite similar to last year, the 2006 National Apple Month retail display contest got underway Sept. 1 and will run through the end of November. The contest is open to all retailers in the United States as well as to all military commissaries in this country and abroad, according to NAM Director Kay Rentzel.