UNITED APPOINTS FOOD SAFETY CHIEF

WASHINGTON - Jim Gorny has been appointed vice president of quality assurance and technology for the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association. Gorny replaces Donna Garren, who recently joined the National Restaurant Association as vice president of health and safety, regulatory affairs. Gorny will lead United's food safety, quality assurance, supply chain technology and food security programs on behalf of the trade association's members. As United's chief food safety officer, Gorny will be an advocate for the membership's interests before all relevant health and safety regulatory officials, the Bush administration and Congress. Gorny came to United from the International Fresh-cut Produce Association, where he was vice president for technology and regulatory affairs. Previously, he was a principal in Davis Fresh Technologies, serving in a consulting and advisory role to the produce industry in a wide range of post-harvest technology applications. At United, Gorny reports to Tom Stenzel, the group's president and chief executive officer.