The California Department of Food and Agriculture has planned two public hearings to discuss possible changes in the California Cantaloupe Program, California’s marketing order for cantaloupes, including a more detailed food safety program.
One hearing will be held March 8 in El Centro and another March 12 in Fresno. The Fresno hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at the Ramada Inn at 324 E. Shaw Ave.
The meetings were called at the request of the California Cantaloupe Board. Proposed changes include establishing and enforcing best agricultural practices specific to cantaloupes, and setting up procedures for mandatory food safety audits that would verify every handler’s compliance.
The amendment would also set disciplinary actions for handlers that didn’t comply.
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