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POST-HARVEST WASHING

Version 5.0

Click to view all POST-HARVEST WASHING

Key – Those standards which have greater significance (all other standards are normal)

Recommendation – Those which do not affect certification

New – A completely new standard which the member must now adhere to

Revised – A standard that has changed and requires the member to take some different or additional action to before

Upgraded – The standard has been upgraded to a Key standard or from a Recommendation to a full standard

Appendix – Referenced in ‘How you will be measured’. Indicates that additional information is provided in the Appendices, which are available at the end of each section.

This icon indicates that a record is required.

Where to find help – at the end of each section we have indicated where you can get extra guidance if you need it.

Cropping Categories Fresh Produce

Category 0
Those you can eat raw and have a significant risk or history of pathogen contamination.

Category 1
Those you can eat raw and which do not have a protective skin that is removed before eating; they may also have a significant risk or history of pathogen contamination.

Category 2
Those you can eat raw and which either have protective skin or grow clear of the ground, or that have no history of pathogen contamination.

Category 3
Those that the customer always cooks.

An up-to-date list of the crop categories can be found on the Red Tractor website.

Aim:

POST-HARVEST WASHING

PR.PW.1

Standards

Water used post-harvest for product washing or other process where it is in direct contact with the product (including ice) must be deemed as acceptable by the Water Matrix and Risk Assessment. (Revised)

How you will be measured

PR.PW.1.a

Risk Assessment identifies any water used in direct contact with the product.

PR.PW.1.b

Quality of water used meets the requirements of the Water Matrix.

PR.PW.1.c

Any tanks or containers used for storing water are managed to ensure that they do not introduce a microbiological risk.

Risk Assessment

PR.PW.2

Standards

Water analysis is completed by an accredited laboratory, test results are monitored and actions taken on poor results. (Upgraded)

How you will be measured

PR.PW.2.a

Evidence that laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025 for microbiological testing of water.

PR.PW.2.b

Water test results are available.

PR.PW.2.c

Results are compared to the Red Tractor Water Matrix with documented evidence of follow up action if results do not meet parameters.
  • Laboratory accreditation information (paper record or electronic)
  • Water testing results

PR.PW.3

Standards

Where water is recirculated, a documented water treatment process must be in place to ensure the water remains suitable for product contact. (New)

How you will be measured

PR.PW.3.a

Water treatment process defined.

PR.PW.3.b

Documented records demonstrate the effective implementation of a water treatment process.

Water treatment records

PR.PW.4

Standards

Category 0, 1 & 2 only.
Wash processes are designed and managed to ensure product may not be cross contaminated by soiled product from an earlier stage in the process. (New)

PR.PW.5

Standards

Members hold a valid Environmental Permit where required for discharge of water from post-harvest processes. (New)

How you will be measured

PR.PW.5.a

A valid Environmental Permit is in place for discharge of waste water from post-harvest processes.

PR.PW.5.b

The business is compliant with any conditions of the Environmental Permit.

Environmental Permit