RETAILERS PROMOTE FLORIDA SEAFOOD

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Publix Super Markets, Kroger Stores Atlanta Region and H-E-B Central Market are partnering with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services during July and August to promote the safety of Gulf of Mexico seafood. The participating retailers will advertise products in circulars and in-store promotional materials using “Fresh From Florida Seafood” logos and “Florida Gulf Safe” logos. “I am pleased that these retailers are partnering with our department to promote Florida seafood products,” Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson said in a release. “The extensive news coverage of the Gulf oil spill has left some consumers with the mistaken impression that Florida seafood is unavailable or in limited supply. This promotion will help get out the message that Florida seafood is safe, plentiful and available.”

PMA TO HOST TRACEABILITY SYMPOSIUM

NEWARK, Del. — The Produce Marketing Association here will be hosting its first traceability symposium on Aug. 10 in Grand Rapids, Mich., at the J.W. Marriott Grand Rapids. The day-long event will feature traceability experts who will discuss the Produce Traceability Initiative, and explain the steps that companies throughout the supply chain need to take to achieve PTI's goal of farm-to-retail electronic traceability for the produce industry. Featured speakers include PMA's traceability expert, Vice President of Supply Chain Efficiencies Ed Treacy. He will be joined by representatives from the Food and Drug Administration, GS1 US and U.S. Foodservice. A retail panelist is also scheduled to offer perspectives on traceability and PTI, according to a release from PMA. “Many misconceptions and myths about enhanced traceability and the PTI are floating around the industry,” Treacy said in a release. “We will offer the latest facts and information, and help attendees understand the hazards of waiting. The reality is that chainwide, electronic traceability is coming, and it is in our industry's best interest to direct our future rather than be dictated to.”