The Center for Produce Safety, Woodland, Calif., is sponsoring a $500,000 challenge, seeking answers to cross-contamination issues in growing areas.

The Gateway to Innovation Awards at the Viva Fresh Expo is doing away with categories to accept submissions covering all aspects of the industry, including production, packing, packaging, technology and food safety.

Jerry Twinam has created a patented process that preserves fresh peeled and cut potatoes for at least 35 days when the product is refrigerated. 

With a $90-million investment, Bowery Farming plans to build large-scale indoor farms in cities across the country.

BBC Technologies, a segment of Tomra Food, has expanded its CURO system to focus on packing fruits under 40 millimeters (about 1.5 inches).

Sunrise Fresh Produce, Jackson, Miss., has doubled its cooler space to 66,000 square feet at its headquarters.

University of California-Davis researchers tested a Hazel Technologies product designed to slow the ripening of apricots and found it improved the shelf life of the fruit.

Belgium-based Tomra is increasing its investment in China.

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Indoor growers say their romaine should have been excluded from the FDA’s temporary blanket ban — although they agree consumer safety should always come first.