Produce

As it does each year, the United States Department of Food and Agriculture’s (USDA) Pesticide Data Program (PDP) released the most recent results of its pesticide residue monitoring program this month.  This year, as in previous years, the USDA concluded that the “report confirms that U.S. food does not pose a safety concern based upon pesticide residues.” The findings illustrate again that both conventional and organic fruits and vegetables are safe and that consumers can eat more of both with confidence. …

The business of healthy and delicious natural super foods is growing. Some of these foods are being introduced for the first time in the U.S. The branding of such foods has never been more innovative and valuable, especially for The Pichuberry Company based in Phoenix, Arizona.  The Pichuberry Company has taken the brand a step further by making the fruit available is several different forms including the fresh fruit (retail), fresh fruit bulk(food service and processing), puree (juicing, smoothies), and freeze dried (nutri-bars, fruit snacks). …

New Jersey Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Alfred Murray was presented with an Honorary American FFA Degree and Scott Fein of C.H. Robinson was presented with the Phillip Alampi Industry Marketing Award by the New Jersey Agricultural Society on February 5 at the New Jersey State Agricultural Convention in Atlantic City. …

Dynamic Systems, Inc., a Redmond, Washington software developer specializing in Traceability Systems has installed the SIMBA Produce Traceability Solution at McLain Farms in Georgia. …

United Fresh Produce Association applauds the agreement reached among FDA, the Center for Food Safety and the Center for Environmental Health to create a new timeline for the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) rules. FDA and the two advocacy groups reached a settlement in a case appealing the strict, court-imposed deadlines for FDA’s publication of final versions of the rules. …