Sunday news roundup

Sagging sales of spinach are again highlighted in this piece by the LA. Times. Consumer confidence has waned, but industry sources assure us it is coming back.

Headline: Sales of spinach remain weak
Pub: LA Times
Reporter: Jerry Hirsch
Lede: Eat your spinach? Mom's advice is falling prey to food safety fears as many consumers continue to steer clear of the leafy green, months after last year's recall and E. coli outbreak.
Notable quotes:
"We are struggling to get back on our feet. We are at about 50% of our former demand," said Dale Huss, vice president of production for Castroville, Calif.-based Ocean Mist Farms Inc., which grows spinach and other produce on 20,000 acres in California, Arizona and Mexico.
Gist: Sales of spinach have sagged 40% from annual sales of $240 million, a Dole spokesman says. The Perishables Group says the average grocery story now sells about $183 per week, a 54% decline from before the national recall. Rutgers study on consumer behavior is cited as well. Can spinach come back? Says Dole's Ordman, ""The industry is taking steps to communicate to people the health benefits of eating fresh spinach and salads," Ordman said, noting a recent upswing in sales."It is taking some time, but the market is coming back.