Validation study for the tree-fruit industry: effective strategies to sanitize harvest bins and picking bags

Tree fruits growers and handlers have learned over the years the importance of careful handling, sanitation, and temperature management to ensure the safety and quality of fruits and vegetables after harvest. When harvesting tools, bins, and containers are not effectively cleaned and sanitized, microorganisms can develop and provide a reservoir for cross-contamination of produce. The use of chemical sanitizers is the most common practice used to prevent and control microbial risk.