Training workers to properly load and unload produce will help minimize damage and prevent contamination of produce. Produce should be handled carefully so as not to bruise or injure it. Aside from significant deterioration in quality and consumer acceptance, bruises and cuts on produce can foster the growth of harmful pathogens if they are present. Containers, pallets, and bins should not be stacked on top of each other unless care has been taken to ensure produce on the bottom will not be injured and is protected from contamination from produce or containers stacked above. If a refrigerated vehicle is needed, workers should be trained to load containers to allow proper airflow and not overload the vehicle beyond its cooling capacity.

Click next to continue through this decision tree.