UC Publications on Postharvest Handling

A selection of publications focusing on postharvest control of microbial decay and spoilage. The emphasis of these publications is on disinfection of edible horticultural crops and guidelines for controlling Listeria monocytogenes.

• Assessment of General RPC Cleanliness As Delivered for Use in Packing and Distribution of Fresh Produce - Final Report (Trevor Suslow, UC Davis, Oct. 2014) (PDF 724 KB)
• Guidelines for Controlling Listeria monocytogenes in Small- to Medium-Scale Packing and Fresh-Cut Operations (UCANR Pub 8015) (PDF 98 KB)
  The goal of this publication is to offer guidelines for monitoring and minimizing the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in an agricultural packing operation and minimizing the possibility of its presence in the final food product, whether sold as a raw agricultural product or uncooked minimally processed vegetable.
• Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) for Water Disinfection Monitoring, Control, and Documentation (UCANR Pub 8149) (PDF 168 KB)
• Ozone Applications for Postharvest Disinfection of Edible Horticultural Crops (UCANR Pub 8133) (PDF 177 KB)
  The basic properties of ozone and its use in produce disinfection are discussed in this publication.
• Making Sense of Rules Governing Chlorine Contact in Postharvest Handling of Organic Produce (UCANR Pub 8198) (PDF 163 KB)
• Postharvest Chlorination:  Basic Properties and Key Points for Effective Disinfection (UCANR Pub 8003) (PDF 76 KB)
• Postharvest Handling for Organic Crops (UCANR Pub 7254) (PDF 100 KB) 

Listeria monocytogenes in Packinghouses

There have been several recent recalls after isolation of Listeria monocytogenes in apples, avocado, cantaloupe and stone fruit. Here are some publications that address the issue:

• Listeria monocytogenes Guidance on Environmental Monitoring and Corrective Actions in At-risk Foods - July 7, 2014 (GMA) (PDF 384 KB)
• Guidelines for Controlling Listeria monocytogenes in Small- to Medium-Scale Packing and Fresh-Cut Operations (UCANR Pub 8015) (PDF 98 KB) Published in 2000, this document provides tips on controlling the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes in fruit and vegetable packinghouses.
• Guidance on Environmental Monitoring and Control of Listeria for the Fresh Produce Industry, 2nd edition (United Fresh Produce Association) (PDF 1.9 MB) 
• Although the focus is not on produce, information on L. monocytogenes for consumers can be found here:  http://www.foodsafety.gov/poisoning/causes/bacteriaviruses/listeria/
• Almond Board of California Tools & Resources 
  The Almond Board of California has developed a Pathogen Environmental Monitoring Manual (PDF 823 KB) that is available in English and Spanish (PDF 1,692 KB) that outlines the tools and steps for planning and implementing such a program. Although the pathogen of concern in almonds is Salmonella the principles are the same for all pathogens.  Additional available resources for implementing a Pathogen Environmental Monitoring program include a Go-to Guide in English and Spanish as well as an instructional DVD.
• Minimizing Risk in Multiple-Use Containers - April 2015 - Trevor Suslow, UC Davis.  Food Quality & Safety Magazine.  (PDF 415 KB)
• Additional Reference Documents:
  • Listeria monocytogenes (FDA) Bad Bug Book Excerpt (PDF 78 KB)
  • Listeria monocytogenes (Foodsafety.gov)  http://www.foodsafety.gov/poisoning/causes/bacteriaviruses/listeria/
  • FDA Jensen Farms Environmental Assessment Final Report (PDF 125 KB) – provides an overview of factors that contributed to the contamination of cantaloupes with listeria monocytogenes which resulted in a multi-state outbreak of listerosis.
  • Establishing Lot Size through Sanitation Clean Breaks in Produce Packing Facilities – University of Florida IFAS Extension, B. Chapman and M.D. Danyluk (PDF 76 KB)

Commodity-Specific Food Safety Resources

Farmer's Markets

• Food Safety at Farmer’s Markets and Agrotourism Venues (UC Small Farm Center) (PDF 1.2 MB)

Fresh-Cut

• Draft Guidance for Industry: Guide to Minimize Food Safety Hazards of Fresh-cut Produce (FDA) (as PDF 447 KB)

Sanitation

• Cleaning and Sanitizing Farm Tools and Equipment (New Mexico State University)
• Establishing a Lot through Sanitation Clean Breaks in Produce Packing Facilities (University of Florida Extension) (PDF 97 KB)