Last week, participants in United’s Produce Inspection Training Program received hands-on experience in the important process of fresh produce inspection at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Fresh Products Branch National Inspectors’ Training and Development Center in Fredericksburg, Va. Attendees at the sold-out course included representatives from a broad range of companies including A&P Canada Co., A&Z Produce Co., ALDI, American Seaway Foods, Caito Foods Service, Inc., U.S. Department of Defense, Food Lion, Giant Eagle Markets, J. Miller & Co, King Soopers, The Kroger Company/Wesco Foods, Military Produce Group, Produce Packaging, River Ranch Fresh Foods, Save-A-Lot and Target Corporation. In 2009, United Fresh and USDA will continue to instruct industry members on the requirements and intricacies of fresh produce inspection with three more installments of the Produce Inspection Training Program.

"Employee training is a great benefit to member companies as it increases staff productivity and increases a company’s competitive advantage in today's global marketplace," said United Fresh Education Manager Beth Berman. Trainings in 2009 are scheduled for January 26-30 , June 1-5, or September 21-25. For more information or to register, click here or contact United Fresh staff at 202-303-3400.