Transportation and Traceback:

Clean and Careful Handling

Clean and sanitize loading, staging, and all food-contact surfaces at the beginning of a work day and any other time when contamination occurs. Clean the same surfaces at the end of the work day.

Processing buildings and equipment must be clean, not harbor pests, and not be a source of contamination (such as dust and feces from overhead pipes).

Check that produce bins are clean and in good repair. Wash out harvest bins regularly to reduce sources of contamination.

Wash and sanitize bins thoroughly prior to harvest and clean bins daily during harvest. Do not transport non-produce items (such as tools, chemicals, fertilizer) in produce bins.

Remove excess soil from produce in the field'before it reaches the packing house.

Remove excess soil from produce in field.

Handle produce gently to minimize bruising. This improves quality and helps prevent possible contamination.

Do not overload produce containers.

Chill produce quickly to minimize growth of potential pathogens and chill produce as soon as possible. Make sure cooler and refrigerators are washed and sanitized before use. Never store non-produce items in coolers.

Store product at appropriate temperatures to maintain good quality.

Protect produce from direct sun exposure.

Chill produce quickly to minimize growth of potential pathogens

Inspect transportation vehicles for cleanliness, odors, and obvious dirt and debris, and before loading clean and sanitize as necessary.

Develop procedures to track individual products from the farm, to the packer, distributor, and retailer, in as much detail as possible using a traceback label on the produce box.

Keep fresh produce separated from ready-to-ship products as fresh products can contaminate products ready to be shipped.

FDA GUIDE TO MINIMIZE MICROBIAL FOOD SAFETY HAZARDS FOR FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Do not transport produce with chemicals as harmful contamination can occur.

http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/prodguid.html

Regulations affecting agricultural operations: Reference guide of federal and state permits that may be required: National Association of State Departments of Agriculture>Research Foundation>State Environmental Guides.
http://www2.nasda.org/NR/exeres/EF8521A6-FC8B-4270-B67C-F8233A3C94D7.htm