Kroger Co., Cincinnati, said its new Fresh Selections ready-to-serve packaged salads feature new packaging technology that enables consumers to learn where the produce was grown. Kroger officials said the effort is part of Kroger's "Quality You Can Trace" program.

Fresh Selections by Kroger are pre-washed ready-to-serve packaged salads available in produce departments in Kroger's family of stores. Priced from $.99 to $4.99, depending on the variety and the market, Kroger's Fresh Selections are the only salads with HarvestMark technology sold in the U.S. today, officials said. HarvestMark is a brand ofYottaMark Inc., Redwood City, Calif.

Each bag carries a 16-digit code that shoppers can enter at HarvestMark.com to learn more about the salad's origin, packing location, ingredients, date and time the product was packed. The Web site also invites customers to offer feedback on the product.

"Kroger continues to be a leader in offering customers innovative food safety tools and resources," said Joe Grieshaber, group vice president of Kroger's meat, seafood, deli and produce departments.

Kroger said its partnership with HarvestMark follows "industry-leading" notification systems the company established two years ago to notify customers of certain product recalls. Earlier this year, Kroger-owned stores launched a "Safe Grilling" campaign to remind customers about the four keys to safe grilling: Chill, Clean, Separate and Cook.

"Food safety is a top priority at Kroger. Our partnership with HarvestMark makes it easy for customers who are interested to learn more about the food they purchase for themselves and their families. Kroger is committed to helping our customers prepare safe and delicious meals for their families," Grieshaber said. "We look forward to continuing to offer our customers innovative and affordable food safety technology."

Kroger, the nation's largest traditional grocery retailer, employs more than 326,000 associates who serve customers in 2,470 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, Fry's, King Soopers, Smith's, Dillons, QFC and City Market.