WASHINGTON -- Irradiated foods may not have to carry the "irradiation" label or "radura" logo under a proposed rule that represents a shift in policy for the Food & Drug Administration. The April 4 proposal would require irradiation labeling only for foods in which the irradiation treatment causes "a material change" in the food, such as changes in taste, smell, nutrition or functional properties. FDA cited irradiated bananas as an example of a material change because bananas may be irradiated to delay ripening and extend shelf life. Under the proposal, food companies could petition FDA to use

US Farms Inc., a diversified nursery and farming business based in San Diego, CA, has further diversified with its entrance into the fresh tomato market. US Farms grows and markets various horticultural products through several subsidies. Previously, the company's primary fresh produce commodities were aloe vera and asparagus. "The entry into the tomato market is "a big move for us," said Yan Skwara, the company's president, who has been with US Farms since its founding in 1997. "It is a big part of our overall business strategy. Yesterday [April 3], we made the announcement that we were

Three years after its planting, Sun Pacific in Los Angeles is ready to harvest and distribute the Sugraone variety table grape. "This will be our first year having the Sugraone, and we are very excited to be able to offer it in big volume to our clients as a way to kick off their California table grape program," Tristan Kieva, Sun Pacific's vice president of marketing, said in a press release. "The Sugraone is attractive to buyers and consumers because it eats well and is large in size," Ms. Kieva added. "It was the perfect addition to our table grape collection since it is well known as a

What started in early 2006 as an educational session on organics has become a broader privately operated trade show for Indianapolis Fruit Co. in Indianapolis. Shane Towne, marketing and new business development coordinator for Indianapolis Fruit, said that the organic show of a year ago was a big success for the wholesale company to educate its retail customers, and in turn their consumers, about organic produce. Participant feedback was very good, and customers suggested a broader show in a second effort. That is what Indianapolis Fruit presented in February at the University Place Hotel &

The National Mango Board is seeking candidates for nomination for terms starting Jan. 1. Industry members are encouraged to submit candidate's names to the NMB staff no later than April 30. Once NMB staff members have a qualified list of candidates, they will submit them to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which will make the final selection. To quality as a nominee, the candidate must be involved in the mango industry and be willing to perform board member duties. Each position requires two nominees. There are three positions available as an importer (two in District III and one in

As the Chilean kiwifruit season moves into gear in April, Chilean apples are already in stride and movement is good. Tom Tjerandsen, managing director of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, based in Sonoma, CA, said that more than a third of Chile's fresh-apple exports to the United States are the Gala variety. About 16 percent, or 6.5 million boxes, each, are Granny Smith and Red Delicious. Braeburn, Red Chief and Fuji rank next with about 5 percent each of the total export volume. Chile exports 44 different apple varieties to Europe; the United States receives about 30. "Europe is the