Packer Insight — FDA investigation, Hunts Point strike, GOPEX

Clockwise from top left: Tom Karst, Ashley Nickle, Amy Sowder, Chris Koger
Clockwise from top left: Tom Karst, Ashley Nickle, Amy Sowder, Chris Koger
(The Packer)

Get a quick rundown of the produce industry news of the week from editor-in-chief Tom Karst, news editor Chris Koger, Northeast editor Amy Sowder and retail editor Ashley Nickle in this latest episode of Packer Insight.

Check out more on all the topics covered — the latest on the FDA leafy greens food safety investigation, the conclusion of the strike at Hunts Point, and takeaways from the Global Organic Produce Expo — in the following articles.

FDA E. coli outbreak investigation closes; no specific source found — An investigation into a fall 2020 outbreak of E. coli linked to leafy greens found cattle manure with the same strain about a mile from a field in California’s Salinas Valley, but the pathogen was not detected on any leafy greens or farms they were grown on.

Fumasi looks at changing outlook for organic fruits and vegetables — Opportunities still outweigh challenges for organic produce growers and marketers, Roland Fumasi said at The Packer’s 2021 Global Organic Produce Expo.

GOPEX session goes deep on new Cal Poly organic research center — Jeff Huckaby expects the Cal Poly organic center to be a significant asset for the industry in the coming years through talent development and research on key areas like weeding, soil health, fertility and automation.

Keeping organic integrity throughout supply chain in U.S. and abroad — Non-farm businesses may be required to get organic certification in the near future — especially operations that import or export organic produce.

Hunts Point labor strike ends after a week — About 1,400 workers from the Teamsters Local 202 labor union ended their strike at Hunts Point Produce Market, Bronx, N.Y., after almost a week, with an agreement on their wage increase.

Trends still pointing up for organics — The trend arrow is still pointing way up for organic produce, speakers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Organic Trade Association said at The Packer’s 2021 Global Organic Produce Expo.

 

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