Foodservice

Food safety demands higher standards

CHICAGO — Produce accounts for 46% of the estimated 48 million foodborne illnesses reported annually by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Leafy greens account for 41% of the produce-related illnesses, said John Hanlin, vice president food safety and public health research and development for Ecolab, Eagan, Minn., at a May 18 workshop during the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show.

From the show floor: NRA 2013 booth briefs

CHICAGO — Packer freelance reporter Jody Shee collected these news items May 18-21 at the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show.

BOSKOVICH FARMS: Lindsay Martinez, director of marketing for Boskovich Farms Inc., Oxnard, Calif., gauged foodservice interest in the company’s newest fruit offerings, separate 2.7-ounce tube-shaped packages of diced fruit, available in pineapple, mango and red grapefruit.

Sysco joins restaurants in healthy kids campaign

CHICAGO — Sysco Corp. is forming an alliance with the National Restaurant Association’s Kids LiveWell program, serving as a distributor partner in the association’s industry-wide initiative to get restaurants to offer and promote more healthful menu items.

The distributor announced the partner ship at the association’s Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show May 18-21.

Restaurants see growth despite government meddling

CHICAGO — The economy, the government, food costs and sales volume are the top four challenges facing restaurant operators, according to a restaurant industry tracking survey from the National Restaurant Association.

The restaurant industry is projected to reach $660 billion in sales in 2013, moderate growth over last year and the fourth consecutive year of real sales growth, said Hudson Riehle, the association’s senior vice president of the research and knowledge group. Riehle gave the “State of the Foodservice Industry” at association’s Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show May 20.

Trinity Fresh backs Sacramento Farm to Fork

Fresh produce distributor Trinity Fresh has begun notifying foodservice customers in the Sacramento area which items on their orders qualify for Farm to Fork status, an initiative that promotes locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Paramount Farms expands convenience store nut sales

Paramount Farms Inc. is launching snack sizes for pistachios and almonds designed for convenience stores.

UPDATED: California salad bar donations hit 436

SAN DIEGO — The United Fresh Produce Association’s campaign to put 350 salad bars in California schools has gone well over the mark, reaching 436 by the start of the United Fresh trade show.

Chef brings fresh food to Florida students

North Florida high school students enjoyed a taste of different cuisine as part of a program that brings chefs to schools.

Foodservice focuses on berries

More berries are showing up in foodservice applications, according to suppliers. Blueberries especially are popular items on restaurant menus.

For blueberry council, foodservice completes circle

The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council has invested heavily in expanding the foodservice use of blueberries, council spokeswoman Kathy Blake says.