Produce

Lipari Foods of Warren, MI is recalling Raw Sunflower Seeds, Roasted Sunflower Seeds and Snack Mixes, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. …

Gourmet greenhouse grower Mastronardi Produce has once again taken top honors at the annual Hottest Tomato Competition; the company’s SUNSET® Mini Kumato™ tomato was chosen as the People’s Choice Award for Tomatoes for 2013. …

To assist producers and partners in developing, assessing and communicating their sustainability programs, United Fresh Produce Association has launched its Sustainability Guide and Self-Assessment Tool. The guide is intended to assist producers in understanding four key areas of sustainability stewardship of resources, environmental impacts, social accountability, and economic success/viability. …

Following the removal of Dennis Simonis as president, CEO and director of Royal Hawaiian Orchards LP, Hawaii’s largest macadamia nut producer is focusing on working closely with other growers and farmers in the state and reviving the Hawaii Macadamia Nut Association to ensure the industry has a strong future in Hawaii. …

America’s 4th of July festivities are perfectly timed for the California Avocado Commission (CAC) to promote avocado consumption at the heart of the California avocado season. In 2013 CAC will build on the success of last year’s integrated marketing program designed to put California avocados on picnic tables, at barbecues and everywhere consumers are gathered for 4th of July celebrations. The program includes television advertising in California, general market radio, print and online advertising, public relations outreach, in-store retail support, new recipes, online and social media activities. …