News and Stories

FROM THE FIELDS: ASH UPDATE

August 26, 2020

The River Fire near Salinas, California, has now burned over 48,424 acres and is 48% contained. The return of onshore winds and thick marine layer over the weekend have greatly improved air quality, but ash particles are expected to remain present in row crop vegetables for at least another week, possibly longer.

Field-packed items such as commodity green leaf and romaine are the most impacted due to their open frame that traps ash inside. Items such as celery and iceberg lettuce are more protected by wrap leaves or leaf tops that are trimmed/discarded during harvest, but a small amount of ash can still be found at the base of the heads or stalks. Lightly processed items (Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Washed and Trimmed Romaine and Green Leaf, Whole Fillets, etc. ) may also have a small amount of ash in finished packs. Our RSS Salads, Blends, Chopped Romaine, etc. will be virtually void of all ash. 

Markon inspectors will continue to monitor the situation closely and will update further as needed.

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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