Fresh Cut Magazine

Food Safety

It goes without saying that food safety is a top concern for fresh-cut processors. And if recent news reports are any indication, it’s a top concern for consumers, too. Recently I watched a Dateline NBC report called “Supermarket Sweep.” This report ranked the top 10 grocery chains based on food safety. The special ranked the grocery store chains based on the number of safety violations the chain had – on this list, being the best still meant having a number of violations. This story included video and photos of bugs, leaky meat, rotten produce and expired dairy items. Regardless of which chains the newsmagazine visited, the effect on the consumers was the same. The Dateline NBC Web site’s companion story even goes on to list a variety of foodborne illnesses, including causes, symptoms and treatments. The site also includes ways to “avoid ‘gross-eries.’” This story is…  » Read more

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Convenience Driving Trends in Fresh-Cut Packaging

Along with their hectic schedules, consumers want quick and healthy meal solutions for their families and are increasing the demand for on-the-go fare. The trend toward convenience – easy to pick up, purchase and eat – continues to drive innovative and yet responsible new product packaging solutions, leading to an array of fresh-cut produce choices now available at retail grocery stores. Take a walk through the produce department of your local store and you’ll notice less packaging made from film and more made from rigid plastic. Rigid packaging, along with a new innovative material, is helping make convenience possible while also providing opportunity for brand enhancement. Beyond providing utility for the consumer, such as salad being packaged in a ready-to-eat or serve bowl, rigid packaging also increases performance. For example, rigid packaging is a good solution for prepared products such as cored pineapple, allowing the juice…  » Read more

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Industry United Over Concerns of Safety of Lettuce, Leafy Greens

Leaders of several produce industry organizations have joined together to respond to concerns over the safety of lettuce products. Included in the group are the International Fresh-cut Produce Association (IFPA), United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association (United), Produce Marketing Association (PMA), Western Growers, Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, the Alliance for Food and Farming and the California Lettuce Research Board, according to a release from United. Though it has no formal name, the group is informally being called a coalition for food safety of lettuce and leafy greens, according to Jim Gorny, vice president of quality assurance and technology for United. “Basically, it’s unprecedented that all these trade groups are working together to address this issue on lettuce,” Gorny said. “It’s simply that important.” In its first act, a group of more than 40 industry executives met with Bob Brackett, director of the U.S. Food and Drug…  » Read more

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Company Finds Michigan Location Just Right For Fresh-Cut

The team at Peterson Farms Fresh recognizes opportunity when it comes knocking. The Shelby, Mich., company was one of the first companies to supply fresh-cut apple slices for McDonald’s when the fast-food giant launched its Apple Dippers in 2004. It was the first time the Peterson family had made its foray into fresh-cut produce. Since then, there’s been no turning back. Though McDonald’s continues to make up a significant portion of Peterson Farms Fresh’s business, the company is venturing into the retail arena with products like a Bake-at-Home Apple Crisp kit and multi-pack packages of apple slices, orange wedges and single-serve grape packages. Sarah Peterson-Schlukebir, who handles sales and marketing, said the company will continue to develop new products as the market demands. “We’re at the tip of the iceberg,” she said. “Our philosophy is we never want to stay at the same place. When you’re…  » Read more

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