Some of the FreshCut can labels explain the vegetables are "picked fresh at the peak of flavor, then packed fresh to lock in their full flavor and nutrients...." A Del Monte spokesperson said the FreshCut name means that these products are packed fresh without any processing, freezing or preservation prior to canning. FDA officials have met with Del Monte to discuss the issue, and the company has submitted information that it feels justifies use of "FreshCut" under the law. An FDA spokesperson said the information is still being evaluated and no decision has been made.
Fresh in a can?
Del Monte is pushing the envelope by calling a line of its canned vegetables "FreshCut." FDA sent a letter to Del Monte in January indicating its concern over the use of the term "fresh" on a thermally processed product.
May 31, 1997
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