Handling & Distributing

From United Fresh 2013; Handling and Distributing booths

SAN DIEGOO — Staff Writers Mike Hornick and Vicky Boyd gathered these handling & distributing related news items at the United Fresh 2013 expo floor May 14-16.

GARLOCK PRINTING & CONVERTING: Cris Baca (right), sales account manager, and Max O’Malley, sales and service manager, from Garlock Printing & Converting, Gardner, Mass., display a recyclable pouch that can be imprinted with high-color graphics. “It contains a certain percentage of high-density (polyethylene) resin, which makes it a No. 2,” Baca says.

Increased imports, inspector shortages converge to clog ports

SAN DIEGO — Back-ups at U.S. ports and U.S.-Mexican border crossings are projected to grow worse as governmental agencies grapple with continued staffing shortages, import volumes increase and looming food safety regulations that likely will increase inspections.

BJ’s Wholesale Club adopts FoodLink

BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc. is adopting the FoodLink commerce and traceability network to place all fresh produce orders for its 15-state chain of stores.

New trucking rules have wide-ranging effects

SAN DIEGO — Two new trucking rules — one from California and the other federal — could have wide-ranging effects on the fresh produce industry from the shipper all the way to the retailer.

Industry comments urged on FDA produce safety rule

SAN DIEGO — Once produce safety regulations become final under the Food Safety Modernization Act, the industry will have to live with them for a long time.

Kool Logistics hires COO

Nashville, Tenn.-based Kool Logistics hired Craig Cahill as the chief operating officer.

New FDA tool helps prevent intentional facility contamination

The Food and Drug Administration is introducing a new tool it says can help food production facilities prevent intentional food contamination.

Birko releasing antimicrobial spray for processing

A food safety material supplier is targeting fresh-cut processors with its latest product release, with a goal of complying with food safety regulations.

New Baton Rouge refrigeration facility opens

A new refrigerated warehouse operation has opened in southeast Louisiana.

IFCO to donate RPC’s to food bank

A hunger relief organization in San Diego will benefit from the presence of the United Fresh Produce Association’s 2013 show, with IFCO Systems planning to donate reusable plastic containers used on the expo floor.