During Harvest Follow these GAPs while harvesting produce to avoid contaminating the crop: • C lean and sanitize harvest bins, tools, and wagon beds before using them during harvest. • Use nonabsorbent, durable, and washable materials for equipment and tools that directly contact produce during or after harvest (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Porous wood, corroded metal, flaking paint, and carpet are materials that should not contact fresh produce. These materials are rough or absorbent, so they can’t be easily cleaned or sanitized. Use smooth plastic, metal, or painted materials instead.
• Keep equipment and farm implements clean and in good repair. Fix fuel, oil, or hydraulic leaks promptly. • R emove as much dirt and debris from produce as possible while in the field.
• Do not harvest damaged, diseased, or visibly contaminated produce. • K eep records of cleaning, sanitizing and maintenance. Post-harvest Follow these GAPs after harvesting produce to avoid contaminating the crop: • Cool produce quickly to remove field heat and minimize potential pathogen growth. • Prevent bruising and damaging produce. Discard any bruised or damaged produce. • Keep packed fruits and vegetables off the floor. Place containers on clean pallets. • Keep floors and equipment clean and dry. Avoid pooling water in packing sheds and coolers. • Use only potable water sources for washing or cooling harvested produce and for cleaning surfaces that will contact produce. • Regularly change produce wash or dump tank water to prevent organic debris from building up in the water. • Treat dump tank or recirculated water to kill microorganisms and prevent crosscontamination. • R egularly measure the sanitizer and pH levels of postharvest water. Always maintain adequate sanitizer concentration and desired pH. Record measurements. • Avoid immersing tomatoes, apples, and other fruits in water that is more than 10oF cooler than the produce. When the water is too cool, the produce can absorb water along with any pathogens that may be present. • Ensure produce is dry before packing to limit the potential for bacterial growth on the surface of the produce. • Install appropriate backflow prevention on hoses and water supply lines.