Approved fruit and vegetable waxes are effective
tools for reducing water loss and enhancing produce
appearance. The uniform application and coverage for
waxes or oils using proper packing line brushes or
rolling sponges is important. Plastic wraps or other
food-grade polymer films retard water loss. Adequate
oxygen exchange is necessary to prevent fermentative
respiration and the development of ethanol and offodors
or flavors. Wraps or bags must have small perforations
or slits to prevent these conditions, especially
when temperature management is not available. The
exposure of bagged or tightly wrapped produce to
direct sunlight will cause the product’s internal temperature
to rise rapidly. Water loss will result and, as coolmust