Axis III. Storage, Packaging and Transportation System
3.1. Facilities
3.1.6. Contact/ No Contact surfaces
Contact surfaces (packaging lines, tables, benches) must be designed and built to avoid accumulation of dirt and bacteria; also allowing easy access for cleaning and sanitation.
Main characteristics of a surface in direct contact with the product must be: be waterproof, non-corrosive, smooth, easy to clean, light colored, non-toxic and resistant to impacts. Surfaces with no contact with food, such as supports for the equipment, must facilitate cleaning and stay clean. It is required to use bands that are easy to clean and disinfect.
When the product requires being washed and disinfected, it must go through a drying area. If the products are not properly dried, pollution risks will increase in other areas of the packaging facility. The company must use equipments for product drying, and ensure the source of air does not come from dirty or polluted areas.
When applicable, the company must install an efficient waxed device according to supplier specifications and characteristics of the product to be waxed; making sure the wax covers the whole horticultural product to obtain the desired results.