MAITLAND, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s announcement on June 11 to clear Florida tomatoes in areas where growers are still harvesting, Florida’s tomato growers are shipping all of their varieties again to supermarket and restaurant chains. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has issued certificates verifying the origin of fresh Florida tomatoes for an estimated several thousand loads.“We are back in business,” said Bob Spencer, of West Coast Tomatoes, a grower-packer located in Palmetto-Ruskin production area of Florida. “And we want everyone to know it.”
“With a few growers picking through next Friday, we are happy to let consumers know they can enjoy fresh Florida tomatoes through the 4th of July weekend,” said Samantha Winters, director, education and promotion for the Florida Tomato Committee.
“Over the next several weeks, consumers will have many great opportunities to enjoy our Florida tomatoes,” added Spencer, “and we stand ready and happy to accommodate them.”
Read More
