The United Fresh Produce Association is now accepting nominations for its third annual Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards, which honor chefs for their use of fresh produce in the culinary arts. Winning chefs will be honored in each of five business categories: Fine Dining Restaurants, Casual and Family Dining Restaurants, Quick Serve Restaurants, Business in Industry & Colleges and Hotels & Healthcare Industry. Nominations must be submitted before Feb. 1, 2010. Nomination forms can be downloaded here.

Winners will be selected based on how nominees incorporate fresh produce into menu development, use protocols for correct storage and handling of produce, engage in community outreach and build an overall positive dining experience featuring fresh produce. The five winning chefs and their corporate executives will receive complimentary airfare, hotel accommodations and registrations to United Fresh 2010, which takes place April 20 to 23 in Las Vegas. The winners will be honored at the Annual Awards Banquet. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org/programs/foodservice_award.