Post-Harvest Food Loss: Handling and Storage in the Salad Industry

Handling and storage are further factors contributing to post-harvest food loss in the salad industry. We explore some of the challenges associated with handling and storage, and how to ultimately enhance the quality and shelf life of salad greens.

The Impact of Inadequate Handling and Storage

Poor handling and storage conditions can lead to bruising, wilting, and spoilage of lettuce and other salad greens. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), post-harvest losses due to improper handling and storage can account for up to 33% of the total produce loss .

Challenges in Handling and Storage

1. Bruising and Damage: Over handling - multiple transfer from crate to hopper during post-harvest processing can bruise the crop, and damage outer leaves making them more susceptible to spoilage.

2. Temperature and Humidity Control: Maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels during storage is crucial for preserving the quality of salad greens. Delay in the crop reaching a processing or storage facility conditions can lead to wilting, microbial growth and severely affect shelf-life.

3. Cross-Contamination: Improper sanitation and handling practices can result in cross-contamination, introducing pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella along the journey.

Solutions for Improved Handling and Storage

1. Gentle Handling Practices: Implementing a streamlined method, and training workers to follow this methodology, can mitigate physical damage. Upgrading conveyors and automated systems designed to reduce impact can also help preserve the integrity of the produce.

2. Optimized Storage Conditions: Implementing advanced refrigeration and humidity control systems ensures that lettuce is stored at optimal conditions - the crop must reach the cooling systems in a timely manner. Monitoring these parameters in real-time helps maintain freshness and prevent unnecessary spoilage, leading to additional losses.

3. Sanitation Protocols: Adhering to strict sanitation protocols for equipment and facilities is essential to prevent cross-contamination. Regular audited cleaning schedules and the correct use of food-safe sanitizers can significantly reduce the risk of pathogen introduction.

Extractacore’s Contribution to Better Handling and Storage

We provide advanced post-harvest de-coring equipment designed to remove core with precision at high speed. Our automated systems minimize physical impact during handling, and limit touch points so that produce is kept at optimal hygiene levels. By utilising this technology, we can achieve better product quality and assist in achieving extended shelf life.

Conclusion

Inadequate handling and storage are significant contributors to post-harvest food loss in the salad industry. By adopting gentle handling practices, optimizing storage conditions, and implementing strict sanitation protocols, processors can greatly reduce these losses, ensuring a more efficient and sustainable supply chain.

References:

1. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). (2020). Postharvest Technology of Fruits and Vegetables. Retrieved from USDA Website