Mandatory recalls and import certifications part of FDA's new plan
WASHINGTON -- Mandated food-security rules, food recalls and new import- certification requirements for "high-risk foods" are some of the policy changes the Bush administration will recommend in the coming months.
Top administration officials delivered the Import Working Group report to President Bush with 50 recommendations to change policies in the wake of several recalls of contaminated imported toys and foods. Some changes may be sent to Congress as early as February in the government's next spending plan.
Native soil a growing inspiration for native son
Twenty-one-year-old Pat Brownfield has a lot to keep him grounded -- figuratively and literally. Two months ago, he became part of the family team at Sweet Clover Produce in Walla Walla, WA. Along with his father, Bill, and his mother, Jan, Mr. Brownfield is helping the company get quality onions into the pipeline. That's the figurative part.
Calavo to market Maui Gold pineapples
Calavo Growers Inc. has entered into an agreement with the Maui Land & Pineapple Co. to market and sell the firm's proprietary Maui Gold pineapple throughout the continental United States and Canada.
The agreement is effective on Dec. 1, but the firm will not officially close its Maui Pineapple Co. office in Northern California until Dec. 31, according to Gerry Watts, vice president and general manager. At that point, the Northern California sales and marketing team, including Sales Manager Howard Nager, will be let go.
Buyer food safety demands condemned
In a sharply worded missive to its members, Western Growers Association condemned the actions of Publix Super Markets and a consortium of produce buyers that are seeking to impose their own set of food-safety standards on suppliers.
Other organizations, including the Produce Marketing Association, expressed concern that the food-safety issue was being handled in such a manner.
Spanish clementines arrive in U.S.
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ -- The green-hulled refrigerated ship Green Freezer docked Nov. 1 at the Gloucester Terminals LLC on the Delaware River waterfront, here. Under sunny and cool skies the next morning, stevedores unloaded the ship's cargo: the season's first Spanish clementines for the United States.
New EPA regulations may disrupt Chilean fruit
PHILADELPHIA -- The new rules on the handling of methyl bromide for fruit fumigation and their potential impact on the distribution of imported fruit was one of the topics discussed at the annual preseason Chilean fruit meeting held here Oct. 26.
Tesco makes U.S. debut
United Kingdom-based Tesco PLC was scheduled to open the doors of its first six U.S. stores, located in the Los Angeles area and flying the "Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market" store banner.
Tesco was slated to begin operations Nov. 8 in those six stores, followed by openings later in the month and before the first of the year in both Arizona and Nevada. By early next year, the chain is expected to open about 50 convenience-style hybrids in the Southern California, Phoenix and Las Vegas areas.
FTGE members reaffirm unified stand against 'penny-per-pound' deals
"Florida Tomato Growers Exchange members united since last spring against penny-per-pound deals, and they reaffirmed it at our annual meeting in the fall," said Reggie Brown, executive vice president of the organization. "We are currently starting our season and we do not want there to be any misunderstanding in this issue. We want it known that we continue our firm conviction."
Well owners to learn more about impact of Colorado water decision
Water Court Judge Roger Klein issued a decision Oct. 19 accepting a water augmentation plan submitted by the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District. More than a year ago, 215 of 400 wells located in the South Platte Basin from Commerce City to Fort Morgan were prohibited from pumping water to irrigate crops. The Central Colorado Water Conservancy District provided a plan which showed that these producers would return water to the river.
Sweetbay names marketing VP
Sweetbay Supermarket, the Florida-based supermarket company of Delhaize Group, recently announced the appointment of Paul Sabattus as vice president of marketing. He will be responsible for brand management and positioning, consumer outreach and strategic marketing initiatives.
Mr. Sabattus has more than 30 years of experience in all functions of retail sales and marketing in the supermarket industry.