The melon category suffered a predictable decline in retail sales and volume in 2011 because of a listeria outbreak, and berries were again a star performer in fresh produce departments. Berries are the largest produce category, and it gained 7.1% in dollars and 3.7% in volume, according to Steve Lutz, executive vice president of the Chicago-based Nielsen Perishables Group.

The death toll from Colorado's cantaloupe listeria outbreak could eventually reach 36 or more, after a CDC update of the count and reports of listeria-linked deaths not yet included in the tally.

Abstract: A novel type of environmentally friendly packaging with antibacterial activity was developed from lauric arginate (LAE)-coating of polylactic acid (PLA) films after surface activation using a corona discharge. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-based analysis of the LAE/PLA films confirmed the successful coating of LAE on the PLA surface.

Date notified to FSANZ 17 February 2011 Food type Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs Product name Chickpeas with Roast Pumpkin Salad Package description & size 500g and 350g Date marking Use By 23/02/12 Country of origin Australia Reason for recall Listeria monocytogenes contamination