Disinfecting without a good wash is not enough.

One of the most critical stages in the processing of fruits and vegetables is washing, because it is linked to the safety and shelf life of the final product. The purpose of washing is to remove traces of dirt and reduce the microbial load found on the surface of the fabric.

Due to microorganisms, post-harvest losses are caused, worldwide they are around 5% to 25% in developed countries and in developing countries it is 20% to 50%. Post-harvest diseases drive the deterioration of crops before reaching the consumer or being processed.

Bacteria and fungi are commonly the most important pathogens causing post-harvest losses. However, rodents or insects also contribute to losses by causing mechanical damage, thus causing the transmission and entry of pathogens.

One of the steps that fruits and vegetables go through in the post-harvest is washing. This process is necessary to be able to eliminate any type of residue that vegetables and fruits accumulate on their exterior (the peel) such as dust or dirt, as well as possible pathogenic microorganisms that later form characteristic diseases of the post-harvest period, such as the decay.

To achieve a good washing of fruit and vegetables, special detergents are used that reduce pathogens without harming the quality of the crop. It is also important to wash machines and surfaces that are going to be in contact with fruit and vegetables. The washing process with a soap that is chemically known as a Surfactant, with this the organic matter, dirt, etc. are dissolved. That the fruits and vegetables can be brought with them either naturally or acquired in the field or transported to the packing houses. For this, Fagro-PHS offers a solution called Purex Cleaner, which helps packers and farmers thoroughly wash their crops to remove any microorganisms.

After washing, a disinfection is applied to eliminate any type of pathogen that has remained as a residue on the surfaces, either of the packaging or of the fruits themselves, and eliminates the pathogens through the oxidation of the pathogen cells. To achieve this disinfection, Fagro-PHS offers the Purex Biosanitizer solution, which has an OMRI certificate for use in organics. It helps eliminate bacteria and fungi, does not require non-residual rinsing and has a higher oxidative potential than chlorine.

Fagro PHS offers a solution to extend the shelf life of your crops in 3 simple steps using various products.