Post-harvest Quality Initiatives and Resources

I recently attended a webinar sponsored by the University of California and the California Strawberry Commission. The webinar included 6 presentations from specialists in the industry on food safety and post harvest quality. The target audience for this initiative was buyers of California strawberries. However, there was some useful information and reminders for growers as well. Here are some of the take home messages from the Webinar. You can view the presentations and read more the Postharvest Technology Research & Information Centre, UC Davis website.

1. An exceptional Food Safety and Security program is currently the top priority of the California Strawberry Commission, They have hired 6 Food Safety Communication Specialists for each production area in California. These specialists will be visiting growers to help with the implementation of food safety programs.
   
2. The pros and cons of testing produce for pathogens and harmful microbes as part of an on-farm food safety program were discussed by Dr. Trevor Suslow at UC Davis. He explained that pathogen testing is not a regulatory requirement or HACCP requirement although it may be requested by some buyers. Practical tests are not currently available for viruses and parasites and tests for other pathogens are too costly relative to value they provide. Also without scientifically developed sampling plans, pathogen testing is unlikely to detect pathogens. He went on to discuss the currently available tools for pathogen testing, which work well for research and for developing base-line data.
   
3. Shipping strawberries was identified as a weak link in the chain. The reefer thermostat must be set to 32 or 33F. Berries should not be shipped with tomatoes, green beans, citrus or other tropical fruits because these require warmer temperatures for shipping. Berries should be cooled before shipping. The produce should be loaded in a centerline pattern, and load spacers should be used to ensure the pallets are not stacked against the inside walls of the trailer. Most vibration occurs at the rear and top of the load, so these flats can be used as indicators.

Learn more:

• Postharvest Technology Research & Information Centre, UC Davis

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