Spudman

PMA resources focus on industry-specific UPCs

Produce Marketing Association (PMA) is releasing a new toolkit to help industry better respond to the gradual transition to company-specific universal product codes (UPC). Requirements include the transition from generic to company-specific UPCs to improve category management while also enhancing traceability and business efficiencies. Currently, UPC numbers begin with a generic, PMA-assigned prefix, followed by an item reference number and check digit to identify packaged produce. It is expected that retailers will begin to require…  » Read more

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PMA names vice president of food safety, technology

Jim Gorny has been hired to fill the new position of vice president of food safety and technology for the Produce Marketing Association. In his role, he will strengthen PMA’s initiatives to build member value in the areas of science and technology, including food safety research, biotechnology, agricultural innovations, process and packaging technology and environmental sustainability. In addition, Gorny will continue his long-standing role with the Center for Produce Safety at the University of California…  » Read more

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PMA praises proposal for healthy student diets

Commending USDA steps to encourage students’ greater consumption of fruits, vegetables and other nutrient-dense foods, Produce Marketing Association (PMA) submitted comments to the Child Nutrition Division of the agency’s Food and Nutrition Service in support of its proposed rule to strengthen nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools. Citing recent Produce for Better Health Foundation research finding less than 15 percent of children eat the recommended number of fruit servings and less than 20…  » Read more

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New industry guidance for cantaloupe available

A new resource, “The National Commodity Specific Food Safety Guidelines for Cantaloupes and Netted Melons,” is now available to help companies that grow, harvest, sort, pack, process or ship cantaloupes in developing production practices that address risk and minimize microbial hazards. It is applicable for companies of all sizes and the use of all production practices, from primary production to the packing and transport of fresh cantaloupes. The guidance is the result of a yearlong…  » Read more

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Industry groups will comment on trace report

The Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI), designed to help the produce industry maximize the effectiveness of current traceback procedures, is currently developing a response to the Institute of Food Technologists’ (IFT) 10 recommendations released by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the document entitled “Pilot Projects for Improving Product Tracing along the Food Supply System Final Report.” PTI, with the coordination of its four administering organizations (Canadian Produce Marketing Association, GS1 US, Produce Marketing Association…  » Read more

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PMA to hold first conference for women

The Produce Marketing Association Foundation for Industry Talent will debut the Women’s Fresh Perspectives (WFP) Conference April 21-23 at the FireSky Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz. Offered in partnership with Simmons School of Management, a widely recognized authority on women’s leadership and management, this new conference has been customized to develop women’s leadership potential throughout the global produce industry and will make its mark as the only industry-specific development program for women, according to…  » Read more

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PMA to exhibit at Fruit Logistica

Produce Marketing Association (PMA) will connect with international industry members at Berlin Fruit Logistica, the international trade fair for fruit and vegetable marketing, Feb. 6-8 in Berlin, Germany. PMA will have an expanded presence at the international event as an exhibitor located at Hall 23-C1. Attendees of the event will have the opportunity to network with PMA staffers, including: Vice President of Global Business Development Nancy Tucker Senior Director of Global Business Development Richard Owen…  » Read more

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Series of FSMA webinars underway

Both the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and United Fresh are conducing a series of webinars about the Food Safety Modernization Act implementation rules. The next two PMA webinars will be held Jan. 24 and are each called “Ask the FDA,” where officials from FDA will be available to speak and answer questions about the two rule implementation documents released Jan. 4. The first session, at 1 p.m. EST, will address the Produce Rule and the…  » Read more

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FDA releases rules to implement FSMA

The FDA has released its long-awaited implementation documents for the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The two rules will be placed in the Federal Register and will be available for public comment over 120 days. The first rule would require makers of food to be sold in the United States, whether produced at a foreign- or domestic-based facility, to develop a formal plan for preventing their food products from causing foodborne illness. The rule would…  » Read more

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PMA, Western Growers team up for food safety

The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and Western Growers are now creating a collaboration to focus the two organizations’ resources on fresh produce food safety. As part of a new partnership agreement, the two organizations have embarked on a joint mission of "protecting public health and the industry, by ensuring food safety standards are effectively and consistently applied throughout the supply chain," according to a press release. A joint task force composed of members of both…  » Read more

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UC Davis to honor PMA’s Silbermann

Bryan Silbermann, president and CEO of the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), will be honored Oct. 5 with an “Award of Distinction” from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CA&ES) at the University of California, Davis. The award is presented annually to those whose contributions and achievements enhance the college’s ability to provide cutting-edge research, top-notch education and innovative outreach, according to a press release. Silbermann is being recognized as a “Friend of the College”…  » Read more

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