No FDA presser today

Obviously, no FDA press conference call today. Perhaps tomorrow.

I had to smile at Jay Martini's reference to "co-mingled" United and PMA. Yes, the two national, multi-commodity associations are acting in unbroken unison in response to the salmonella outbreak - but isn't that what the trade has always said it wants from the two groups? A case of "can't win for losing"? Do we want them now acting independently instead, each trying to outdo the other in PR gambits?

We can't have it both ways. As the parable of Jesus goes, we either dance when the flute is played or we mourn when we hear wailing. For the industry's sake, let's indeed hope that United's/PMA wisdom is vindicated.

I think that major consumer press reporters are either falling short in their sourcing of PMA and United, or perhaps they are swayed by the delectable sound bites from The Perishable Pundit. I think Jim has done a credible job of raising doubts about the FDA actions, but the industry itself must be in the forefront.

Who is the ideal industry media spokesperson for this point in time? Association executives may seem to be the logical choice - Amy Philpott has done a good job in representing the industry in several stories I have seen - but to me the most credible and compelling sources would be tomato industry leaders like Mark Munger or Tony DiMare. Both of their companies have suffered as a result of the actions by the FDA and would be credible and sympathetic sources, I believe.