This is in the form of an alert. The growers and marketers of prunes (presumably mostly California folk) have petitioned the federal government (FDA) to permit the sale of what are currently defined as "prunes" under the name of "dried plums". Their argument is that "dried plums" is a more saleable commodity in today's world. "Prunes" have a certain cachet as something that only old people eat and therefore humorous. In the olden days, i.e. my lost youth, prunes were typically so dry that they almost had to be stewed to reconstitute them to a palatable food. In that form they were not a handy snack food. Todays drying techniques leave a much higher moisture content and prunes can be a tasty snack out the bag and mixed with dried apricots, dried pears, dried apples, dried bananas, dried cherries etc. The producers think "dried plums" would look better added to that list. They may be right. "Dried plums" is certainly not deceptive advertising so there is a pretty good chance the change will be approved. If so, the prune could become extinct. Sad, "dried plums" just aren't as funny.

rich r