Fresh Produce Discussion Blog

Created by The Packer's National Editor Tom Karst

Monday, March 31, 2008

Cantaloupe market look in

Selected cantaloupe imports 3/1 to 3/22 - http://sheet.zoho.com



South Fla. Cantaloupe f.o.b. March 3 to March 21 - http://sheet.zoho.com

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Saving you $2,500 per year, one way or another

Wal-Mart's claim that is saves families $2,500 per year is supported, sort of. From the story:

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. needs to change its advertising to avoid suggesting its shoppers save an annual US$2,500 per family, the advertising industry's self-regulatory body said in a report Monday.
But the report accepted Wal-Mart's claim that its efficiency and size drive down consumer prices across the entire U.S. economy, generating that $2,500 savings regardless of where consumers shop.
The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus singled out what it called implied claims in the retailer's ads that consumers who shop at Wal-Mart can realize that much in savings while people who shop elsewhere do not. Be
ntonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart said in response it never meant to imply the savings were only for its shoppers.

TK: Wal-Mart doesn't want to say Americans can save just as much money at Target, but that's closer to the truth of the matter, I suppose.

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Organic acreage way up in Cali

The Packer's sister publication, The Grower, reports organic acreage is way up in Calif. From the story:


The Santa Cruz-based California Certified Organic Farmers report that the number of acres it has certified as organic has surpassed 500,000 since it was started in 1973.

During the past two years, the group reported 129 percent growth in certified organic acreage along with a 141,317-acre increase in 2007 alone.

The group's 501,066 organic acres is split roughly evenly between livestock and produce operations.

Certified pasture and field acreage has risen from just 38,611 in 2004 to 241,511, reflecting the growth in the organic dairy and livestock sector.

The main areas of growth in crops have been oats, rice, table and winegrapes, wheat and alfalfa.
Table grape acre, for example, increased by 39.3 percent.

The number of small to medium-sized growers who are expanding their operations to include post-harvest activities, such as organic processing, handling or packaging, also has grown.

"Much of our current growth is attributed to existing members adding acreage, facilities and products", says Peggy Miars, CCOF executive director.

In 2007, CCOF completed more than 2,300 on-site inspections of land and facilities to ensure comply with the National Organic Program. That's about 10 inspections per work day, says says Jake Lewin, certification services director.

In addition, the organization expanded its geographic reach to 29 different states, as well as five foreign countries.

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Recall - Firm Press Release

From the FDA:

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

JARD Marketing Corp. Announces Recall of Some Fresh Cut and Foodservice Fruit Products Containing Cantaloupe Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination

Contact:
JARD Marketing Corp.
(978) 681-8900

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Lawrence, Massachusetts -- March 28, 2008 -- JARD Marketing, Lawrence, Massachusetts is recalling selected fresh cut fruit products which contain cantaloupe which has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. On March 26, 2008, JARD marketing was requested by its supplier T. M. Kovacevich International Inc, to recall products produced with cantaloupe from Agropecuaria Montelibano. Foodservice products are packed in plastic pails or jars, and retail products are packed in plastic cups and trays. This recall affects all packs and sizes. Products under this recall were distributed in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Food Service products containing cantaloupe packed in plastic pails and jars include the following brands: Pebble Beach, Festival Of Fruit, Cornucopia Sweet, Jambo Chef, Fowler Fruit Mix, Instantwhip, Syracuse Banana and City Line Food Dist. Pails under this recall are coded with an expiration date from "Exp Apr 7, 2008" to "Exp Apr 22, 2008 or with a Julian Code of "08067" to "08082". Plastic jars under this recall are coded with an expiration date of "Exp Apr 22, 2008" to "May 7, 2008" or with a Julian Code of "08067" to "08082".

Retail products containing cantaloupe packed in plastic cups and trays include the following brands: Frosty Fresh, Fresh Hand Cut, Fruit On The Go, Highland Park, Bruegger’s Bagels, Sid Wainer & Son, Hannaford Brothers and Garden Highway Plant # P-005. Plastic cups and trays under this recall are coded with a sell by date of "3/29/08" or earlier.

Symptoms of food borne Salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. In persons with poor health or weakened immune systems, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections.

We are unaware to date of any illnesses that may be associated with any products containing cantaloupe, sold by JARD Marketing Corp., or its distributors.

Establishments who have any of the products involved should contact their supplier for disposition instructions. Consumers with questions may contact JARD Marketing Corp. at (978) 681-8900.

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Agricultural Prices - March 28

Here is the link to the USDA's March 28 Agricultural Prices report. From the report, some excerpts:

The March All Farm Products Index is 150 percent of its 1990-92 base, up 2.0 percent from the February index and 13 percent above the March 2007 index. ALL CROPS: The March index is 171, up 4.9 percent from February and 20 percent above March 2007. Index increases for food grains, commercial vegetables, feed grains & hay, fruits & nuts more than offset the index decrease for cotton.
Potatoes & Dry Beans: The March index, at 138, is up 3.0 percent from last month and 1.5 percent above March 2007. The all potato price, at $7.82 per cwt, is up 31 cents from February but down 11 cents from last March. The all dry bean price, at $32.20 per cwt, is unchanged from the previous month but $6.50 above March 2007.
Fruits & Nuts: The March index, at 156, is up 4.0 percent from February and 4.0 percent higher than a year ago. The price increase for oranges more than offset price decreases for strawberries, grapefruit, lemons, and apples.
Commercial Vegetables: The March index, at 131, is up 9.2 percent from last month but 32 percent below March 2007. Price increases during March for lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli, and cauliflower more than offset price declines for snap beans, cucumbers, and onions.




Fresh Apple Prices - March - http://sheet.zoho.com

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A record number on food stamps

The number of Americans using food stamps has hit a new all-time high, according to an article from the New York Times.

From the article: "Recent rises in many states appear to be resulting mainly from the economic slowdown, officials and experts say, as well as inflation in prices of basic goods that leave more families feeling pinched. Citing expected growth in unemployment, the Congressional Budget Office this month projected a continued increase in the monthly number of recipients in the next fiscal year, starting Oct. 1 — to 28 million, up from 27.8 million in 2008, and 26.5 million in 2007."

Keeping in mind that you can use statistics to paint just about any picture, or headline, the article also includes this line: "The percentage of Americans receiving food stamps was higher after a recession in the 1990s, but actual numbers are expected to be higher this year."

The swelling ranks of food stamp users may have a nominal effect on the produce industry. They may view fresh produce as a luxury item that they can't afford, and instead choose to fill up on Wonder bread, Oreos and Doritos.

Fresh produce is an applicable purchase under food stamps, however. As long as retailers feature some good loss-leader ads, even cash-strapped consumers will have some options in the produce aisle.

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Poll - truckers' strike

From www.thetruckersreport.com, this poll:



Results: Would You Support A Truckers Strike?
I Am A Trucker: YES 449 52.95%
I Am A Trucker: NO 37 4.36%
I Am NOT A Trucker: YES 265 31.25%
I Am NOT A Trucker: NO 11 1.30%
Truckers Will NEVER Stand Together 86 10.14%


TK: Interesting that 53% of truckers say they would support a strike and 4% would not. What about the other 44%? We probably will see some strike activity and some news coverage of this on April 1, but it does not appear the impact will be wide and deeply felt.

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Keith Eckel video - on immigration

Thanks to whoever posted this on Youtube. From the Youtube descriptor:
Pennsylvania farmer Keith Eckel of Lackawanna County, the largest producer of fresh market tomatoes in Pennsylvania discusses why he will no longer grow labor intensive food.
Mr. Eckel will discuss how the lack of a reliable immigrant farm worker program has impacted his farm enterprise and will affect Pennsylvania's economy, agriculture, agribusiness and our nation's food supply

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Sunday, March 30, 2008

Tesco "shelves" expansion of Fresh & Easy

From The UK Telegraph comes this news that Tesco is calling a three-month moratorium to its expansion in the U.S. for a period of time. Tesco's efforts have been widely panned to the point "piling on," and others have pointed out Tesco's timing of expansion of Fresh & Easy in Western states and the just-starting contraction of the U.S. economy was star-crossed. From the story:

But having opened 59 stores in just four months Tesco has halted the rollout of new stores in order to "make improvements and allow the business to settle down".

"We've given ourselves a little bit of time to kick the tyres, smooth out any wrinkles, and make some improvements that customers have asked for," wrote Simon Uwins, marketing director of Fresh & Easy, on his company blog last week.

"In nine months, we've gone from a project team of 200 people to a business employing nearly 2,500 people. We've learnt a huge amount about running the operation, and talked to thousands of customers about what they like about Fresh & Easy, and where they would like us to improve," he added.


TK: By the way, here is the link to the Fresh & Easy blog by Uwins. This will only increase the scrutiny of Fresh & Easy by Tesco's money men and the retailer's
investors.


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"Look out third world, here we come"

This sounds a bit over the top. Let's have a look-in at a piece about immigration and follow-on reader comments to a story in The Beaver County Times & Allegheny Times: "Stoop labor: lack of migrant workers to pick fruits and vegetables could drive up prices"
From the opinion piece:

In addition to being more expensive because of higher fuel costs, fruits and vegetables might become even pricier because of scarcity.

The Associated Press reports that Pennsylvania’s largest grower of fresh-to-market tomatoes announced Monday he will no longer produce the crop because he can’t find enough workers to harvest it.

And the reason is simple: Americans don’t want to do this kind of work.

Keith Eckel, 61, a fourth-generation farmer and the owner of Fred W. Eckel Sons Farms Inc., told the AP his tomato pickers made an average of $16.59 per hour last year. However, he said the relatively high wage is not enough to attract local labor to work the fields of his 2,000-acre farm in northeastern Pennsylvania.

“A lot of people think with immigration that we’re talking about immigrants taking jobs from others. Let me tell you, there is no local labor that is going to go out and harvest those tomatoes in 90-degree temperatures except our immigrant labor,” Eckel said. “They come here to do a job that no one else will do in this country.”

He’s not alone.

Carl Shaffer, president of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, predicted other farmers would follow Eckel’s lead and stop growing labor-intensive crops.

Eckel and Shaffer blamed Washington’s failure last year to pass legislation that would have allowed immigrants — some already in the country illegally and some who would come from abroad — to work through guest-worker and legalization programs.

The AP reported the farm bureau is calling for a reliable guest-worker program to be built from scratch, one that would provide a stable, legal supply of labor. (Our editorial position is similar. In past editorials, we’ve argued for a system that allows adequate numbers of immigrants to come and go legally with greater ease.)

Given the anti-immigrant nativism — and that’s what it is — that has swept the United States and the refusal by politicians to deal with the matter realistically, the farm bureau’s reasonable approach to solving the problem is a pipe dream.

Curse the illegal immigrants all you want, but they help put inexpensive food on the table. When it comes to anti-immigrant resentment and the domestic food chain, Americans are cutting off their noses to spite their faces by being so obdurate.

On the other hand, if the economy continues to deteriorate, inflation kicks in and food and gasoline prices continue to soar, Eckel and farmers like him might not have as much trouble finding laborers. That’s because more Americans might be willing to stoop to this kind of labor to supplement their incomes so they can afford to buy the very fruits and vegetables they are harvesting.

Look out, Third World, here we come.


Comments below:

Tired Too wrote on Mar 28, 2008 1:57 PM:

" Tired of This is right but allow me to expand on this a bit.

Anyone applying for unemployment within 50 miles of these farms that need workers is to have two choices. As long as you are able bodied you must accept the work or you get no benefits. I'm sure it will be amazing how so many will find work. Or they'll expose themselves as the lazy bums they truly are.

Bad enough the taxpayers have to fund those who refuse to work let alone have to pay higher prices for produce while available work is disdained.

"

Edgar wrote on Mar 28, 2008 11:06 AM:

" Take all those locked up in minimum and medium security prisons and have them pick veggies and fruits. Oh yeah, I forgot, they have rights and we cannot ask them to work for their upkeep of what, $40K per year? "

Tired of this wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:01 AM:

" This smells like democratic views, Here is a novel idea. How about all those welfare babies who refuse to work because it is easier to accept the democrats handouts, do the work in order to collect any more freebies? We seem to moan about lack of jobs, yet they are there, we are just to lazy to do them. "


TK: Public opinion seems to hold that prisoners or unemployed "bums" head to the tomato fields. How many would want to see their own son or daughter working in the tomato field? The public is still blind to the needs of agriculture, and this doesn't bode well for the future of farms like Fred W. Eckell Sons Farms Inc. and others that have and will continue to rely on immigrants, not Americans, to meet their farm labor needs.

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Saturday, March 29, 2008

Breaker 1-9 - Trucker strike

More on the buzz about the truckers' strike, From Bizjournals:

Across CB radios and trucker blogs, news has spread about an independent truck drivers' strike planned for the first week of April. With no central coordination, the potential strike's duration, scope and impact on the Tampa Bay area is unclear. Accounts vary across Internet forums, but most pin the start of the strike to April 1 or April 3.
In Tampa, the port is the most likely place where the effects of a strike would be felt, if it happens, said Thad Pennland, VP of Cypress Truck Lines Inc. in Jacksonville. "You might have some extra freight lying around if the (independent truckers) who haul it don't show up for work," Pennland said.
During the last two weeks, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, a trade association based in Missouri that represents roughly 161,000 truckers nationwide, has fielded increased calls from drivers with questions about the strike, said Norita Taylor, a spokeswoman. Threats of strikes among independent truckers are relatively common but usually twist in the wind and fail to materialize, Taylor said. This strike appears to have progressed beyond the usual scuttlebutt. "I have answered a record number of calls this week," Taylor said. "But with so much rumor, it's difficult to pinpoint who is going to participate. I've talked to a lot of members who don't plan to participate."
What striking trucker's hope to gain varies, but the common complaint is the spiraling costs of diesel fuel, which has spiked to $4 a gallon in some parts of the country. Truckers who drive as part of company fleets have all their fuel costs covered by their employer, but independent drivers get reimbursed for their gas costs through a fuel surcharge. The terms of those surcharge programs vary across the companies and do a poor job of covering sudden spikes in fuel rates, Pennland said.
"The word is they're really losing money on the fuel," he said. "Especially the small outfits that don't have much clout and can't demand coverage of a higher percentage (of fuel costs)."
Additionally, some of those truckers never receive reimbursement, Taylor said. OIDA is lobbying for new legislation that would mandate that 100 percent of rising costs on food and other goods caused by hikes in diesel prices be passed along to truckers. Only independent truck drivers have considered striking. Drivers represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters are uninvolved, a union spokeswoman said.

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National Retail Report - March 28

For retail produce department managers, Cinco de Mayo can't get here fast enough. Below is the summary graph of the USDA's weekly look at national produce promotions from March 28.


Produce Ads Suffer Post-Easter Decline
Retail ads this week lacked a universally common theme. Many retailers were running “10 for $10” and “buy-one-get-onefree” specials. Some retailers were featuring snack items hoping to draw in the March Madness crowd and others ran Spring-themed promotions. A few retailers were even targeting customers for the Passover holiday which will begin in a few weeks. Overall this week, total fresh produce ads were down roughly 18 percent compared to last week. Vegetables were down about 29 percent and fruit ads were down nearly 5 percent. The top 5 featured items were: grapes, cantaloupe, strawberries, mangoes, and zucchini. The most notable post-Easter declines were on pineapple, asparagus, green beans, and sweet potatoes.
As in the weeks before Easter, fruits were once again the most heavily featured and accounted for 52 percent of the total produce ads. Several fruit items saw an increase in ad space including: apples, avocados, grapefruit and melons. Notable declines on fruit were seen on pineapples, blueberries, and stone fruits. In addition, banana ads have been declining in ad space over the last several weeks. This is due to short supplies after the effects of a combination of weather events dating back to this past Fall in producing countries.


Fruits as Percentage of Total Fruit Ads
March 28, 2008
Watermelon,`mini 6%
Watermelon, seedless 1%
Strawberries, organic 1%
Strawberries 11%
Plums 2%
Peaches 2%
Pineapple 2%
Cantaloupe 12%
Clementines 0%
Grapes, green/red 16%
Grapefruit, red 3%
Honeydew 4%
Lemons 0%
Nectarines, yellow flesh 3%
Oranges, navel 4%
Pears, bartlett 6%
Mangoes 10%
Bananas 0%
Blueberries 2%
Bananas, organic 1%
Avocadoes, hass 8%
Apples, red delicious 8%



Produce Promotions - http://sheet.zoho.com




Vegetables as Percentage of Total Vegetable Ads March 28, 2008
Lettuce, iceberg 2%
Lettuce, romaine 3%
Cucumbers 7%
Carrots, baby organic 4%
Carrots, baby 8%
Cabbage 1%
Broccoli, organic 2%
Beans, round green 4%
Broccoli 4%
Asparagus 3%
Celery 3%
Corn 2%
Tomatoes, grape organic 2%
Tomatoes, grape 5%
Tomatoes on the vine 6%
Tomatoes 7%
Sweet Potatoes 0%
Potatoes, russet 3%
Peppers, bell red 3%
Peppers, bell green 2%
Squash, zucchini 9%
Onions, sweet 9%
Mushrooms, white 8%
Onions, yellow 2%






Vegetable Promotions - http://sheet.zoho.com

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FDA Cantaloupe Resource Page

Here is a link to the FDA's cantaloupe resource page, relating to the limited recall due to salmonella concerns. From the page;


On March 21, the Food and Drug Administration issued an import alert regarding entry of cantaloupe from one Honduran company, Agropecuaria Montelibano, following an on-going investigation of a salmonellosis outbreak that began in the United States in January.

A combination of epidemiological information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and traceback analysis by the FDA determined that cantaloupes imported from this particular Honduran company were associated with the outbreak.

The FDA is working collaboratively with Honduran Government officials and Agropecuaria Montelibano to investigate the source of the contamination.

All importers have recalled the cantaloupes they purchased from Agropecuaria Montelibano. FDA is monitoring the recalls and continuing to work with other firms that had processed the cantaloupes to remove all potentially contaminated products from the market.

Cantaloupes imported to the United States from other countries and from other Honduran companies may still enter the U.S. as before. Only cantaloupe originating from Agropecuaria Montelibano should be discarded.

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Recall - Firm press release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Voluntary Recall on Honduran Cantaloupes Due to Potential Health Concerns

Contact:
William Goldfield
818-874-4647

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Westlake Village, Calif., March 28, 2008 -- Dole Fresh Fruit Company, a subsidiary of Dole Food Company, Inc., has voluntarily recalled all Honduran Cantaloupes grown, packed and shipped by an independent third-party grower, Agropecuaria Montelibano of San Lorenzo Valle, Honduras.

This recall has been initiated based on current information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that fruit from this company appears to be associated with a Salmonella Litchfield outbreak in the United States and Canada.

Persons infected with Salmonella may experience a variety of symptoms and illnesses. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in more severe illnesses and potentially can be fatal.

The cantaloupes were distributed for sale throughout the United States and parts of Canada in cardboard cartons with the brand "Dole" and "PRODUCT OF HONDURAS" printed on each of the side panels of the carton.

The FDA advises consumers who have recently bought cantaloupes to check with the place of purchase to determine if the fruit came from this specific grower and packer. If so, consumers should throw away the cantaloupes. Consumers with questions may visit the FDA website at www.fda.gov for more information or contact the Dole Consumer Center at (800) 232-8888.

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Friday, March 28, 2008

Recall - Firm press release

Once again, from the FDA:

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Chiquita Brands International, Inc. Recalls Whole Cantaloupes Grown by Agropecuaria Montelibano, Honduras, Due to Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Chiquita Brands International, Inc.
(800) 242-5472

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Cincinnati, OH -- March 27, 2008 -- Chiquita Brands International, Inc. today announced a voluntary recall of cantaloupes grown, packed and shipped by an independent third-party grower, Agropecuaria Montelibano in Honduras. The product was distributed to customers nationwide and is being recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of food-borne Salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Individuals who have recently eaten cantaloupe and experienced any of these symptoms should contact their health care professional.

The cantaloupes were distributed for sale throughout the US and Canada in cardboard cartons with the brands "Mike's Melons," "Mayan Pride" and "Chiquita" all showing "PRODUCE OF HONDURAS" printed on each of the side panels of the carton. The address of the shipper appears on one end panel of the carton as follows:

GROWN, PACKED AND SHIPPED BY:
AGROPECUARIA MONTELIBANO
SAN LORENZO, VALLE, HONDURAS

Chiquita advises that U.S. grocers, food service operators and produce processors remove from their stock all recall product. Chiquita also advises consumers who have recently bought cantaloupes to check with the place of purchase to determine if the fruit came from this specific grower and packer. If so, consumers should throw away the cantaloupes.


Consumers with questions may contact the company at (800) 242-5472.

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Recall - firm press release

Again, from the FDA:

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Bounty Fresh, LLC. Recalls Cantaloupe Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Bounty Fresh, LLC
305-592-6969

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Miami, FL -- March 27, 2008 -- Bounty Fresh, LLC, has recalled cantaloupes from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a Honduran grower and packer because the U.S Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") has determined, based on current information, that cantaloupe fruit from this company has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The recalled product was distributed nationwide to wholesalers and grocery stores. Whole cantaloupe fruits subject to this recall are packed three melons in a sleeve under the brand "Chestnut Hill Farms" and one melon per sleeve under the "Perfect Melon" brand. Individual melons are not labeled, but sleeves contain tags that say either "Perfect Melon" (one count) or "Chestnut Hill Farms" (3 count). Whole cantaloupe fruits subject to this recall were sold in boxes marked with the following text: "Cantaloupe, "Chestnut Hill Farms" (3 count) or "Perfect Melon" (one count) , Produce of Honduras, Grown, Packed and Shipped by Agropecuaria Montelibano, San Lorenzo, Valle, Honduras". All boxes also contain the Chestnut Hill Farms logo.

This recall has been initiated based on the FDA"s determination, based on current information, that cantaloupe fruit from the referenced grower/packer appears to be associated with a Salmonella Litchfield outbreak in the United States and Canada.

Consumers who have recently bought whole cantaloupes from this specific grower and packer should destroy these products immediately. Consumers with questions may contact Raul Romero, Bounty Fresh, LLC at 305-592-6969.

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Should we be surprised?

How do you evaluate the FDA's recent handling of the case of Honduras cantaloupe imports? Considering the fact that 14 people were hospitalized, I don't think you can characterize the agency's actions as anything but appropriate. As painful as it is, the action against one Honduras firm is more targeted than in 2002, when FDA's moved broadly against Mexican cantaloupe imports.

Here is a story from November 2002 about the FDA's countrywide alert for Mexican cantaloupes:


FDA blocks imports of Mexican cantaloupes
By Tom Karst, National Editor
In a hard-line move that could have marketplace repercussions for weeks and perhaps months, the Food and Drug Administration on Oct. 28 issued a countrywide alert for Mexican cantaloupes, effectively stopping all imports of the fruit until the FDA clears individual Mexican shipper.
The action was not in response to a food safety scare.
Instead, the dramatic and controversial move relates to Salmonella outbreaks during 2000, 2001 and earlier this year that were traced to Mexican cantaloupe.
Two deaths and 18 hospitalizations were linked to a 2001 outbreak in California that was traced to Mexican fruit, the FDA said.
In its long-anticipated decision, the agency said it issued the import alert on a nationwide basis, rather than limit the scrutiny to a particular region. The action resulted in an immediate stop to all cantaloupe imports from Mexico, which were just beginning.
According to the FDA's import alert document, the agency's product tracing investigations implicated Mexican cantaloupes from the states of Michoacan and Guerrero as the source of four outbreaks. However, the FDA said it issued a countrywide alert because of positive results from salmonella testing of cantaloupe from other producing states during random sampling in 1999, 2000 and 2001.
The agency also said it felt the alert was necessary because of the industry practice of commingling melons from various states for shipment to the U.S.
Matt McInerney, executive vice president of Western Growers, Newport Beach, Calif., said the FDA move was encouraging.
"We think it is a great sign by the FDA to be proactive on the issue of salmonella on Mexican cantaloupe," he said.
He said the FDA rules will provide incentive to Mexican growers to validate their safety practices but won't prevent the vast majority from supplying the U.S. market.
Unfairly penalized? Enrique Lobo, minister for agricultural affairs at the Mexican Embassy in Washington, D.C., said the action penalizes many companies that have never been associated with a food safety incident. In an Oct. 30 news release, Lobo said the incident has "seriously threatened" the U.S.-Mexico working relationship.
Despite cooperative agreements with the USDA and Health and Human Services Department, Lobo said Mexico was given only a few hours' notice before the ban.
Noting that Mexico was considering its options under the North American Free Trade Agreement and the World Trade Organization, Lobo said Mexican growers were being unfairly discriminated against.
Stephen Martori, president of Martori Farms, Scottsdale, Ariz., said the FDA action will have long-term benefit.
"I'm just very disappointed it couldn't have been handled a couple of years ago and that Mexico would have chosen the route the U.S. has and complied with food safety concerns on a voluntary basis," he said. "I think the position from the domestic producers is certainly we cannot sustain another outbreak and whatever measures have to be taken have to be taken."
Martori, who doesn't import cantaloupe from Mexico, but does from Guatemala and Honduras, predicted adequate cantaloupe supply until late November, when supply from Hermosillo comes on.
It is uncertain when Mexican suppliers will be back in the U.S. market.
A meeting of Mexican cantaloupe shippers and growers in Nogales, Ariz., Oct. 30 helped detail measures shippers can take to be removed from the "detain without physical examination" list. About 100 Mexican shippers export cantaloupes to the U.S., said Lee Frankel, president of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, Nogales.
The FDA said Mexican firms can be removed from the list after sending information supporting the adequacy of a firm's procedures relating to water quality, manure use and biosolids, worker health and hygiene, sanitary facilities and other issues relating to equipment and transportation.The FDA said it will give priority to scheduling inspections to firms and growers who provide certification from a third-party auditor with experience in agricultural or transportation processes.
A big concern, Frankel said, is how long Mexican growers and shippers will have to wait on the FDA for clearance. Some Mexican shippers may submit information on their operations to the FDA by early November.
Hank Giclas, Western Growers' vice president of science and technology affairs, said the FDA and Mexico are collaborating on a certification program with Mexican growers that would allow growers to document their use of good agricultural practices.
Because the FDA had all available information in July, Frankel said it was disappointing that the agency's policy was not issued until late October, just when early Mexican cantaloupe shipments from Sonora were set to cross.


TK: Meanwhile, here is news that U.S. inspectors are headed to Honduras to inspect the farm and facilities at Agropecuaria Montelibano.
The FDA's action has impacted all of Honduras melon producers - and indeed the cloud over cantaloupes could potentially harm U.S. producers as well. This is not an import versus domestic issue, although it is true that the FDA doesn't seem to have the same controls in place for U.S. production. The track record of traceback investigations doesn't necessarily speak to a quick resolution, but the entire industry will only suffer if episode is protracted.


From the AP:

The Bush administration assured Honduran officials Thursday it would act quickly to inspect the cantaloupe growing and packing facilities that exported melons linked to dozens of cases of salmonella in 16 states. The Food and Drug Administration blocked imports of cantaloupes from Honduras-based Agropecuaria Montelibano after the illnesses were reported. No deaths were reported, but 14 people were hospitalized. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt and other U.S. officials met with their counterparts from Honduras, who urged creation of a joint task force to inspect the facilities."I committed to them we will have people on the ground tomorrow," Leavitt said in an interview.He said a team from the Centers for Disease Control and the FDA had been sent. "Their concern is we act as expeditiously as good science will allow," he said.



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Pamela's Kitchen

You'll enjoy Pamela R of The Packer preparing a produce creation in her very own kitchen.



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IYOP

Dean Kleckner, an Iowa farmer, chairs Truth About Trade & Technology. www.truthabouttrade.org. He writes here about the colorful past and intriguing future of the potato - particularly wondering if genetically modified spuds will have a future.


Surely you’ve heard that 2008 is the year of a presidential election here in the United States, as well as the year of the Summer Olympics in Beijing. Personally, I hope that 2008 will be a good one for the St. Louis Cardinals, whose season gets started on Monday.
This is also the International Year of the Potato, according to a decree by the United Nations. In 2008, the UN wants “to increase awareness of the importance of the potato as a food in developing nations.”

It’s the world’s fourth-most-important crop, after corn, wheat, and rice. The French call it the “ground apple” and my farming friends in Sweden call it an “earth pear”—succulent names for a blue-collar root vegetable that is one of agriculture’s great workhorses. “The potato produces more nutritious food more quickly, on less land, and in harsher climates than any other major crop,” says a UN website.

The potato is grown all over the world, with about half of its harvest taking place in developing countries. It’s rich in calories, making it an excellent source of energy—especially in nations that are more concerned about malnutrition than the low-carb Atkins diet. Finally, demand for it is growing.

So the potato looks to have a bright future. But it also has a rich past, and it has played a crucial role in economics, trade, and globalization.
The plant is native to South America, where farmers have grown it for thousands of years. The earliest potatoes, according to the Oxford Companion to Food, were “small, misshapen, and knobbly” and tasted bitter. Through breeding (genetic changes), they became bigger, rounder, and more appetizing.

The European encounter with the New World began the potato’s process of globalization. In the 16th century, farmers in Spain and Italy planted their first potatoes. Then the crop spread everywhere. Its advantages were significant enough to overcome occasional religious objections, based on the concern that the potato isn’t mentioned anywhere in the Bible. The Irish came up with a clever solution to this problem: They sprinkled holy water on their seed potatoes and planted them on Good Friday.

Because potatoes are packed with calories and easy to grow, their cultivation in Europe made it possible for large numbers of people to move from farms to cities. They “liberated workers from the land,” writes The Economist, and thereby planted the seeds for the industrial revolution.

Potatoes also fueled international trade, in a completely unexpected way. In the early 19th century, Britain imposed hefty tariffs known as the Corn Laws. Their purpose was to shield domestic agriculture from foreign competition. The result was to keep food prices artificially high, which helped rich landowners but frustrated uppity manufacturers who wanted British consumers to enjoy more disposable income. That’s always the price of protectionism: More money for special interests, and less cash for ordinary people.

It took the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840s to repeal the Corn Laws. Sir Robert Peel, the Conservative prime minister, called for their abolition so that the starving people of Ireland could have something to eat. Peel’s moral argument prevailed, though this success soon cost him his political career.

Growing potatoes may be relatively ‘easy’ but breeding a healthier and stronger potato that has consumer benefits like antioxidants, enhanced vitamins (C, A and E) and improved starch content is difficult and a long, slow process using traditional breeding. That’s just how the potato works. Today, researchers are using intragenics – using biotechnology to introduce new traits from other potato varieties – to produce potatoes with these added-value attributes.

Modern agricultural practices make the appearance of a new potato famine unlikely. Even so, the potato finds itself at the center of a new controversy in Europe, where farmers would like a special GM variety approved for use. The potato in question isn’t even grown for food. Instead, it generates a starch that’s an industrial ingredient for glossy paper, adhesive cement, and other products.

The EU’s unnecessary restrictions on GM crops are the Corn Laws of our time, especially because they’re holding back poor nations in Africa and elsewhere from adopting advanced agricultural practices. Europe could hardly choose a better time or rationale than the International Year of the Potato for rethinking its small-minded opposition to sensible biotechnology.


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Recall - Firm press release

From the FDA:

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Simply Fresh Fruit Announces Nationwide Recall of Some Fresh Cut Fruit Products Containing Cantaloupe Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

Contact:
Simply Fresh Fruit
(323) 586-0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Los Angeles, California -- March 27, 2008 --- Simply Fresh Fruit, of Los Angeles, California is recalling selected fresh cut fruit products which may contain cantaloupe which has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. On March 26, 2008, Simply Fresh was requested by its supplier, Tropifresh, Inc to recall products produced with cantaloupe from Agropecuaria Montelibano. Simply Fresh had begun to recover this product earlier, on March 24, based on a notice published
By the U.S. FDA.

The products being recalled include: Simply Fresh Fruit Brand food service Fruit Mix in Syrup products dated “sell by 4 – 18 08” or earlier, food service Cantaloupe Chunks in Syrup products dated “sell by 4 – 08 8” or earlier, and retail and club store Simply Fresh, Fresh Cut Fruit Brand containing cantaloupe dated “sell by 3 – 29 8”or earlier. Retail and club store products involved were removed from sale prior to Monday, March 24. Foodservice distributors who sell their own brand, have been notified, and are recalling the products involved. Foodservice products are packed in plastic pails or jars, and retail products are packed in plastic trays.

Symptoms of food borne Salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. In persons with poor health or weakened immune systems, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections.

We are unaware to date of any illnesses that may be associated with any products containing cantaloupe, sold by Simply Fresh Fruit, or its distributors.

Food Service establishments who have any of the products involved should contact their supplier for disposition instructions. Consumers with questions may contact Simply Fresh Fruit at (323) 586-0000.

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Taking the Mouse South

Imagination Farms announces that they are marketing Disney branded fresh produce in Mexico. From their news release:

Imagination Farms is continuing its mission to increase children’s consumption of fresh produce by taking its message and Disney branded fresh produce program to consumers in Mexico. "Mexico is a very attractive market for Disney and for our program. We are excited to be working with one of the strongest brands in the world to further our mission of increasing the consumption of fresh produce,” remarked Matthew Caito, CEO of Imagination Farms. “Mexico was also a natural extension for us due to the fact that many of our current suppliers already do business with Mexican retailers or grow products in Mexico. Our team has been working for nearly a year to build a program that will speak directly to Mexican consumers with branding and marketing programs tailored to Mexican consumers.”
The Disney program in Mexico will feature similar products and packaging as that of the U.S., but with Disney’s global brand standard and Spanish language packaging. Categories to be represented in Mexico include apples, pears, cherries, stone-fruit, mangos, watermelons, vegetables, berries, bananas, pineapples, papayas, and tomatoes. The company is working with its Mexican growers and shippers to ensure that Disney products will meet and exceed Mexico’s Calidad Suprema good agricultural program (GAP) requirements.
As in the United States, the Disney program in Mexico will include both commodity and value added items, and will continue to provide focus on marketing strategies that engage and educate parents and children through the use of kid-friendly packaging and merchandising.
The Disney fresh produce program in Mexico debuted with the introduction of Disney Garden apples and pears from Chelan Fresh and L&M Companies in January and February. The company also featured several categories and growers at its booth at the ANTAD trade show in Guadalajara in early March. Fruit Patch Sales of Dinuba, CA expects to introduce the next batch of Disney products in Mexico with the launch of Disney stone fruit, including peaches, plums, nectarines, and apricots in May. Progreso Produce of Boerne, TX, will begin marketing Disney watermelons and mangoes later this spring in Mexico. Additional Mexican-based growers of pineapples, bananas, strawberries, watermelons and mangoes will be announced by the company in the coming weeks and months.

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Kathy Means - ATAC

It is good to see Kathy Means back in the news cycle, and this news release from PMA indicates a prestigious appointment for the long time association exec. From PMA:


Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Vice President of Government Relations Kathy Means has been named to serve the 2008-2012 term on the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC) for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables. Appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Susan C. Schwab, Means is one of 34 chosen nationally to sit on the committee.

The ATAC for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables provides technical information, advice, and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative on matters specific to produce. The committee is part of the Office of the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) Trade Representatives Agriculture Advisory program, which includes the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee and five other commodity-specific ATACs in addition to fruits and vegetables. The program’s committees ensure cooperation between the federal government and private sector on agricultural trade issues.

“I’m honored to have been selected and ready to act as a voice for our industry at this influential level,” Means commented. “On behalf of PMA, I have been involved in food safety and security issues, immigration reform, country of origin labeling, and other critical industry concerns. Those experiences will help me advocate in the interests of the produce industry and PMA’s members.”

The USTR defers to the committee’s counsel on “…U.S. negotiating objectives and bargaining positions before the United States enters into trade agreements; on the operation of existing trade agreements; and on other matters related to the development, implementation, and administration of U.S. agricultural trade policy.”

“Advisory committee members must balance varied perspectives, are recognized leaders in their fields, and possess significant knowledge of the effects trade barriers or lack of barriers have on fruits and vegetables,” said PMA President Bryan Silbermann. “Kathy fits the role perfectly, and PMA is thrilled the USTR recognizes the same leadership qualities in Kathy our association and membership is fortunate to benefit from every day.”

Means joined PMA in 1989 and is responsible for government affairs, public affairs, and self-regulatory programs in addition to leading the association’s food safety and security efforts. Prior to PMA, she spent nine years with The Packer, the trade newspaper for the produce industry, as an editor and reporter. She earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 1996, and carries a master’s in nonprofit management and bachelor's degrees in journalism and French.

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Thursday, March 27, 2008

More on Honduras

More headlines on Honduras melons. Links from the Food Safety Network.

Honduras melon company lays off workers From the AP: A Honduran melon company says it has laid off 1,800 workers after the U.S. blocked imports following a salmonella outbreak in places such as Ohio. The company, Agropecuaria Montelibano, estimated that ts losses will reach $21 million. Honduran officials are demanding the United States compensate the company. They say there is no scientific proof the fruit was first infected in Honduras.


Honduras sends top ministers to lobby U.S. against melon ban From IHT:
The Honduran government says it has sent three top ministers to Washington to lobby against a U.S. decision to block its melon exports in the wake of a salmonella outbreak. Honduran President Manuel Zelaya says the ministers of agriculture, trade and health will meet with U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials to tell them about the quality of melons his nation produces. The officials traveled to Washington on Wednesday


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The throng at the gates and looking for Mr. Daschle

While United Fresh lobbyist Robert Guenther said tenuous progress is reported in farm bill negotiations, nothing is certain yet. Meanwhile, I read in some farm bill coverage that the process needs a "stopper" to get this thing to an end game, much like Tom Daschle, former Democratic Senator from South Dakota, did in 2002 farm bill negotiations. From Delta Farm Press:

Where’s Tom Daschle when you need him? The last time Congress wrote a farm bill, Daschle, or so the story goes, called agriculture committee leaders in at one point and told them to pass a farm bill. Period. End of story.
House and Senate conference committee members went back to work, compromised on some tough issues, voted out a conference report that was passed by both Houses and signed by President Bush on May 13, 2002.
By the time Daschle, the then-Senate majority leader, took action, House and Senate conferees had been meeting from January until April — longer than they’ve been negotiating the current bill. The conference committee for this farm bill has yet to meet.
That’s not the only difference. In 2002, the Bush administration played the role of observer, providing deputy undersecretaries to answer questions about how USDA mght implement provisions of the bill.
Then-Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman made general statements about administration policy on the farm bill but did travel around the country telling groups how the president would veto the farm bill if it (1) contained tax increases or (2) did not include reforms such as a lower adjusted gross income ceiling on payments.
Both Secretary Ed Schafer and Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner, have missed few opportunities to get out and claim the House and Senate farm bills raise taxes and “do not target support to producers who need it the most.”
In response, House and Senate agriculture leaders claim the bills are more about closing tax loopholes and requiring royalty payments on offshore oil wells. And they note they are paying for the farm bill as they go rather than simply increasing spending as the administration has done with the economic stimulus package.
The House and Senate conference committee could reconcile the two versions of the farm bill within a matter of days — once House leaders actually name the House members. Instead, committee leaders have spent most of the last three months trying to compromise with the White House.
Reps. Collin Peterson and Bob Goodlatte, the chairman and ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee, and Sens. Tom Harkin and Saxby Chambliss, chairman and ranking member on the Senate Agriculture Committee, reportedly have agreed on a spending figure of $10 billion over the baseline projected for the farm bill.
But that has caused other committee members such as Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., and Budget Chairman Kent Conrad, D-N.D., to call the compromise “dead on arrival” because other spending priorities will not leave the $5.5 billion they need for their permanent disaster program.
For now, Congress is working on a new deadline of April 19 to replace or extend the current law. After that, the fall elections will begin to prove more distracting. If farmers are to have a new law in 2008, it’s time for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid or House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to step up and do a “Tom Daschle.”


TK: Farmers aren't the only ones upset at the process. This column Ditch this farm bill by Deroy Murdock, takes a more acidic view of the farm bill and the "family farm."

In short, Congress shakes down taxpayers (many in foreclosure) for $286 billion to subsidize farmers already in cornucopian bliss. Their record crop prices, in turn, fatten supermarket and restaurant tabs, which squeeze taxpayers' wallets yet again. Frightfully, these factors stir Third World hunger and chaos.

If this were Bourbon, France, citizens would be at Versailles' gates, justifiably screaming for justice.

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FDA - Firm Press Release

Again, from the FDA:


Recall -- Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.
T.M. Kovacevich International, Inc. Recalls Cantaloupe Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
T.M. Kovacevich International, Inc.
(215) 336-3160

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Philadelphia, PA -- March 25, 2008 --- T.M. Kovacevich International, Inc. of Philadelphia, PA is recalling cantaloupes which it purchased from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a Honduran grower and packer, because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has determined, based on current information, that cantaloupe fruit from this company has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The recalled product was distributed to wholesalers and processors in Georgia, Florida, Massachusetts and New Jersey, and may have reached consumers through grocery stores, restaurants, or other similar channels. Whole cantaloupe fruits subject to this recall carry a “Mike’s Melons” sticker or may be unlabeled because this sticker has fallen off. Whole cantaloupe fruits subject to this recall were sold in boxes marked with the following text: “Cantaloupe, Mike’s Melons, Produce of Honduras, Grown, Packed and Shipped by Agropecuaria Montelibano, San Lorenzo, Valle, Honduras”.

We are unaware to date of any illnesses that may be associated with any cantaloupes sold by our company.

This recall has been initiated based on the FDA’s determination, based on current information, that cantaloupe fruit from the referenced grower/packer appears to be associated with a Salmonella Litchfield outbreak in the United States and Canada.

Consumers who have recently bought whole cantaloupes from this specific grower and packer should destroy these products immediately. Consumers with questions may contact George Manos of T.M. Kovacevich International, Inc. at (215) 336-3160.

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Part II - Growing and Shipping Calif. cantaloupes

Good Agricultural Practiecs for the California Cantaloupe Industry Part 2. Developed by the CA Melon Research Board and The Regents of the University of Calfifornia.
Scientific Studies
Worker Hygeine
Equipment Santiation
Shed Packing Sanitation
Conclusion
Credits


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GAPs for cantaloupe - Calif.

Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) for the California Cantaloupe Industry. Developed by the Regents of the University of California and the California Melon Research Board.
Introduction
Cantaloupe Packing

CA Environment

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Farm Bureau's market basket should be rebalanced

The price trends of Farm Bureau's "market basket" of food items are reported below. What strikes me is that potatoes are the only produce commodity tracked among the 16 items. Throw a little broccoli or apples in with the flour, white bread, cheese and bacon.


Retail food prices at the supermarket increased in the first quarter of 2008, according to the latest American Farm Bureau Federation Marketbasket Survey. The informal survey shows the total cost of 16 basic grocery items in the first quarter of 2008 was $45.03, up about 8 percent or $3.42 from the fourth quarter of 2007.
Of the 16 items surveyed, 11 increased, four decreased and one stayed the same in average price compared to the 2007 fourth-quarter survey. Compared to one year ago, the overall cost for the marketbasket items showed an increase of about 9 percent.
A 5-pound bag of flour showed the largest retail price increase, up 69 cents to $2.39.
Other items that increased in price were: cheddar cheese, up 61 cents to $4.71 per pound; corn oil, up 58 cents to $3.01 per 32-oz. bottle; a dozen large eggs, up 55 cents to $2.16; vegetable oil, up 38 cents to $2.63 per 32-oz. bottle; mayonnaise, up 22 cents to $3.14 for a 32-ounce jar; Russet potatoes, up 18 cents to $2.47 for a 5-pound bag; a 20-oz. loaf of white bread, up 16 cents to $1.78; apples, up 13 cents to $1.40 per pound; whole fryer chickens, up 9 cents to $1.37 per pound; and ground chuck, up 4 cents to $2.73 per pound.
Bacon was the only item in the survey that stayed the same in price, at $3.35 per pound.
Items that decreased in price were: whole milk, down 10 cents to $3.81 per gallon; pork chops, down 8 cents to $3.31 per pound; a 9-oz. box of toasted oat cereal, down 8 cents to $2.97; and sirloin tip roast, down 5 cents to $3.80 per pound. “More than a third of the increased cost reported this quarter is attributed to the two oil products and mayonnaise, which is oil-based. As expected, the drop in price for vegetable and corn oil observed in the last quarter of 2007 appears to have been temporary,” said Jim Sartwelle, an AFBF economist. “Continued strength in the wheat and cheese markets also contributed to the overall price increase for the basket of items.”
In addition, “It is important to note the contribution of runaway energy prices to the retail cost of food,” Sartwelle said. “Transportation, processing, and packaging all cost significantly more now than in prior years.”
As retail grocery prices have increased gradually, the share of the average food dollar that America’s farm and ranch families receive has dropped over time.
“In the mid-1970s, farmers received about one-third of consumer retail food expenditures on average. That figure has decreased steadily over time and is now just 22 percent, according to Agriculture Department statistics,” Sartwelle said. Using that percentage across-the-board, the farmer’s share of this quarter’s $45.03 marketbasket total would be $9.90.

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Safe cantaloupe video

Doug Powell, food safety professor at Kansas State University, gives us the whys and wherefores of cantaloupe safety in this video.


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Recall - Firm Press Release

From the FDA this morning:

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Tropifresh, Inc. Recalls Whole Cantaloupe Products Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Luis Alvarado
213-745-8111

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Los Angeles, CA -- March 26, 2008 --- Tropifresh, Inc. of Los Angeles, CA is recalling Agrolibano’s Produce Brand whole Cantaloupes because they appear to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Whole cantaloupe fruits subject to this recall carry a “Mike’s Melons” sticker or may be unlabeled because this sticker has fallen off. Whole cantaloupes fruits subject to this recall were sold in approximately 1100 pound cardboard bin containers and were distributed to wholesalers in Southern California, Pennsylvania and Canada.

No illnesses have been reported to Tropifresh, Inc. to date.

These cantaloupe products were supplied from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a Honduran grower and packer, to Tropifresh. This recall was initiated when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an import alert regarding cantaloupe from this grower, because, based on current information, fruit from this company appears to be associated with a Salmonella Litchfield outbreak in the United States and Canada.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase. Customers with questions may contact Luis Alvarado of Tropifresh, Inc. at 213-745-81111.

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On Honduras cantaloupes

The Honduras melon recall seems to have entered the public consciousness at a fairly high level. Consider this blog coverage from the NYT and follow on reader comments. From the blog by Mike Nizza:

Adding his own twist to the Latin American strongman railing against American policies, President Manuel Zelaya of Honduras began talking to journalists on Tuesday. “Here I have the box of melons,” he said, according to CNN. “Permit me to make a demonstration.”

He “cut open the fruit, sliced off a chunk, put it in his mouth and chewed vigorously,” CNN continued, and then unleashed his fiery anti-American punchline:

“I eat this fruit without any fear,” he said with his mouth full. “It’s a delicious fruit. Nothing happens to me!”

To sharpen the F.D.R. echo in other words: the only fruit to fear is fear itself.

The Food and Drug Administration strongly disagrees. On Saturday, it issued an urgent recall of cantaloupes from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a grower in Honduras that sends more than 2 million boxes to the U.S. each year:


TK: Here are some wide-ranging reader comments to Nizza's post:

This is no joke.

I bought one of these cantaloupes last week and ate it on Saturday. Within hours I was sick - nauseated , headache, intestinal pain, vomiting - general malaise - I slept for hours in the middle of the day, when I wasn’t moaning out loud. I had no idea what could have caused my symptoms until I heard about the cantaloupe recall.

— Posted by Ellen


I may not be part of the official “statistics” as I haven’t reported it to anyone. But I got seriously ill after eating Honduran cantaloupes about ten days ago. -before the first article was published.
Wonder how many other cases were unreported or attributed to something else.

— Posted by Wilder


Poor little Honduras. It is one of the most economically depressed countries in this hemisphere. I was there in the Peace Corps in the early 70s. I have nothing but the warmest memories. You couldn’t find a nicer country or people. Over the years, they have been a staunch and loyal friend of this country. I would hope such a rich country as ours could provide some form of economic assistance.

— Posted by Allen from Boston


Umm,

I have a cantaloupe on my table, should I throw it away now? Its really strange that this post is the first that I’ve heard about this, thanks for the heads up.

— Posted by Jose


Salmonella and other harmful bacteria can be found on any type of melon - from anywhere in the world. The bacteria or other contaminant is then transfered to the flesh upon slicing. It should be a common practice to wash the outside of all melons well before slicing.

— Posted by Scott


this is sad, what could cause this fruit and maybe other produce to be contaminated like this, is it in growing, packing, handling, cleaning solvents, please clarify.
looks like we have totally lost control of things when these calamities happen to fruits.
I have heard of these from say, ground beef, meats, etc.
Thank you
Ramon

— Posted by R.M. delosReyes

I think it must be a big coincidence or something that in Alamosa, Colorado the city had to close down the water system because of salmonella poisoning. Many people were poisoned and they had to clean the water system. Did you also know that Alomosa is right in the middle of the area that produces Rocky Ford Cantaloupes that are sold nationwide? Hopefully they didn’t somehow get mixed up with the ones from Honduras.

— Posted by Marv










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Immigrants and Oklahoma

Losses in the billions are predicted as a result of Oklahoma's immigration law. So says this report from The Tulsa World, quoting from an estimate from a bankers' group. While the bankers' group says it isn't taking a position on the law, it is surely clear they see economic harm to the state and their interests. From the story:

If 50,000 immigrants leave Oklahoma, the state would lose about $1.8 billion annually in productivity and wages, according to a study released Tuesday by the Oklahoma Bankers Association.
The group does not take a position on HB 1804, the state's new immigration law, said President and Chief Executive Officer Roger Beverage.
The study was commissioned after the association began hearing stories about banks seeing impacts such as loan defaults and halted housing developments.
"Bankers asked the question, 'Can we afford to do this? Does this make sense?' " Beverage said. "That is a question for the Legislature or someone other than us. It is information we think makes sense to consider. Reasonable people will disagree whether it's worth the savings."
House Bill 1804 makes it a crime to knowingly hire, house or transport illegal immigrants and took effect Nov. 1.
Economists Russell Evans and Kyle Dean, of Economic Impact Group in Edmond, wrote and researched the study. The model used is similar to one in Texas created about two years ago.
We're not saying that it is a good bill or a bad bill," Evans said. "We have no comment on that. But from a purely economic standpoint, we wanted to see look at what the cost would be of removing them."
The Federation for Immigration Reform has estimated Oklahoma spends about $207 million a year in public funds for illegal immigrants, mainly for education, emergency health care and incarceration.
The economists assume the number to be correct, Evans said.
Between 50,000 and 70,000 undocumented immigrants are estimated to be living in Oklahoma, the study states. The study gives a range of impacts based on the number of immigrants who leave.
In the short term, the impact ranges from a $786 million annual loss if 25,000 immigrants leave, up to a $3 billion annual loss if 90,000 migrate elsewhere, according to the study.
In the long term, Oklahoma would lose between $637 million to $1.9 billion annually, the study states.
"If you don't enter the impact of losing those workers into the discussion, then I think the discussion is somewhat distorted," Evans said.
"All we are trying to provide is what the lost outcome of productivity and lost income of those workers would be."
More House Bill 1804 impact studies are expected, Evans said.
"The academic community was a little behind with everybody else," Evans said. "The bill happened so fast and became law so fast that the discussion about the impacts of the bill didn't begin until after it had been implemented and signed."
Rep. Randy Terrill, who sponsored House Bill 1804, disagrees with the study's conclusions including the impact of unemployed legal residents being able to assume those jobs.
Terrill, R-Moore, said the immigration issue is about more than just economics.
"It is about a fundamental respect for the rule of law, upholding our state and national sovereignty and about the immorality of employing cheap, illegal alien slave labor," he said in a press release.
Sen. James Williamson, R-Tulsa, also disagreed with the study. Williams said the Oklahoma economy is showing no evidence of a negative impact from the law.
Beverage said Oklahoma banks remain strong in spite of the challenges of the national credit crunch, depressed housing market, subprime mortgage meltdown and the Federal Reserve predictions that some community banks will fail in the next couple of years.
"In addition, Oklahoma banks have had to deal with the practical ramifications of the economic impact of 1804," Beverage said.
"You cannot confine the economic impact of 1804 to one sector of society or one classification of workers. Rather, it has an impact to workers in a number of different areas."

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Also in Canada?

This report from Canada talks about the scope of the April 1 truckers' strike in the U.S., and the likelihood that Canadian truckers will join in. From the News1130.com:

SURREY (NEWS1130) - There might be fewer big rigs on the road April 1, if Canadian truckers jump on board with their American counterparts. A plan to strike started when a truck driver in Missouri decided he needed to take a stand against high fuel costs.

Pat Potter with Orca Logistics in Surrey says email and chatter on CB radios has gotten the message to local truckers, who are looking at joining the 1,000 estimated drivers who will strike in the states, "We need some help in getting freight rates up in the US and in Canada, I mean the price of fuel here is killing us. The US dollar, the exchange rate between the dollars is hurting us." Potter says fuel taxes on trucks are putting independent drivers out of business. He says the plan is to stop the industry for a day in hopes of making governments aware of the increasing problem.


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