United Fresh discusses coronavirus, product trends at FPFC event
CERRITOS, Calif. — Coronavirus, product recall plans and new product trends were among topics discussed during a United Fresh Produce Association Town Hall event.
The Anaheim, Calif.-based Fresh Produce & Floral Council hosted United Fresh as part of the All Roads Lead to San Diego! campaign to promote the United Fresh 2020 Convention and Expo in June.
Tom Stenzel, United Fresh president and CEO, headed a panel to answer FPFC member questions.
Coronavirus was top of mind, and Jennifer McEntire, vice president of food safety and technology, assured the audience that the current virus has no appreciable food safety risks.
“It is more like the flu,” she said, noting an opportunity for suppliers to reinforce to customers that good manufacturing practices, employee hygiene requirements and other precautions already are in effect.
Another questioner asked whether the produce industry is prepared to deal with the seemingly increasing number of product recalls.
Amy Philpott, crisis management counsel, said 12 years ago, industry leaders were trying to convince produce companies that they needed a recall plan.
“We’ve moved beyond that for the most part,” she said.
She cited three barriers for failing to implement a recall plan: time, money and knowledge.
“Time and money are probably are not the barriers you think they are,” she said. “You can overcome those barriers.”
Companies should seeking information from experts and others who have experienced a recall.
On latest produce trends, Miriam Wolk, vice president of member services, said health and convenience are popular.
The plant-based movement presents a great opportunity for produce suppliers to highlight their products to retail and foodservice customers.
Responding to an inquiry about the future of sustainable packaging, Stenzel warned of unintended consequences of a Band-Aid solution and called for an approach similar to the industrywide food safety regulations.
“Instead of having every retail and foodservice customer go down a different path on packaging, try to get everybody together,” he said.
“Let’s reduce plastic waste,” Stenzel said. “Let’s also be aware of where we need packaging for food safety, shelf life and other issues.”
Others participating in the program were Robert Guenther, United Fresh senior vice president of public policy; and David Durkin, attorney specializing in the Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The town hall gathering was one of several throughout the state in early March.
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