Management of reusable plastic crates in fresh produce supply chains. A technical guide

Management of reusable plastic crates in fresh produce supply chains

A technical guide

by

Rosendo S. Rapusas and Rosa S. Rolle

RAP PUBLICATION 2009/08

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

The designation and presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers and boundaries.

All rights reserved. Reproduction and dissemination of material in this information product for educational or other non-commercial purposes are authorized without any prior written permission from the copyright holders provided the source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction of material in this information product for sale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without written permission of the copyright holders. Applications for such permission should be addressed to: Chief, Electronic Publishing Policy and Support Branch, Communication Division, FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy or by e-mail to: [email protected]

ISBN 978-92-5-106312-5

For copies, please contact:
Rosa S. Rolle
FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
Maliwan Mansion, 39 Phra Atit Road
Bangkok 10200
THAILAND
Tel: (+66) 2 697 4000
Fax: (+66) 2 697 4445
E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Increased fruit and vegetable production in many countries of Asia and the Pacific has not been accompanied by improvements in post-harvest handling to maintain quality and assure safety. FAO continues to provide technical support and to build capacities to reduce losses and to improve quality and safety management in fruit and vegetable supply chains. One such example is use of plastic crates for the bulk packaging of fresh produce. This technical guide highlights Good Manufacturing Practices for the handling and storage of reusable plastic crates and protocols for their cleaning and sanitization. It also documents a model of an efficient management system for returnable plastic crates. This guide is targeted primarily for use by returnable plastic crate service providers and stakeholders in fresh produce handling chains: producers, packing house operators, and transport and storage operators. Individuals who are involved with capacity building activities in horticultural chains as well as policy makers should also find it a useful reference.