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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:

STORAGE

PR.ST.1

Standards

Storage areas must be managed and maintained in a safe hygienic condition to ensure crops stored do not become contaminated - e.g. glass, hard plastic, etc.

How you will be measured

PR.ST.1.a

Glass and hard plastics are protected from damage.

PR.ST.1.b

A glass and Hard Plastic Policy/procedure is in place which: - lists all glass and hard plastics in the storage area on a register - the register is checked on a risk-based frequency for signs of breakage or damage - where glass and hard plastics cannot be covered regular checks (based on a frequency determined by the Risk Assessment) are made to ensure there is no damage - Sets out actions to be taken in the event of a glass breakage and who responds

PR.ST.1.c

Long-term, controlled atmosphere stores are kept secure when holding crop.
  • Glass and Hard Plastic Policy/procedure
  • Glass and hard plastic register
  • Glass and hard plastic check records

PR.ST.2

Standards

Temperature and humidity of storage facilities used to store packed product must be monitored and documented to ensure correct storage conditions are maintained.

How you will be measured

PR.ST.2.a

Optimal storage conditions and acceptable ranges are clearly defined for products being stored.

PR.ST.2.b

Storage conditions are routinely monitored to ensure conditions are within acceptable range.

PR.ST.2.c

Category 0, 1 & 2 only. Documented procedures that set out actions to be taken where storage conditions or product temperatures are found to be outside the acceptable range.

PR.ST.2.d

Category 0, 1 & 2 only. All temperature monitoring equipment is routinely calibrated.
  • Storage and product checks
  • Out of temperature procedures
  • Calibration records

PR.ST.3

Standards

Stored packed product must be rotated to ensure product quality and safety.

How you will be measured

PR.ST.3.a

Stock rotation system is effectively implemented.

PR.ST.4

Standards

Product stores must be cleaned each season, inspected and maintained.

How you will be measured

PR.ST.4.a

Stores are part of annual maintenance and cleaning programme.

Store maintenance records

PR.ST.5

Standards

Where PPPs are used as store treatments, all use must be based on qualified recommendation. (New)

Name and BASIS professional register number

PR.ST.6

Standards

Where PPPs are used as store treatments, operators must be able to demonstrate competence. (New)

How you will be measured

PR.ST.6.a

NPTC Pesticide Application Certificates or Lantra Awards Level 2 qualification, with modules covering relevant operational area.

PR.ST.6.b

Specific alternative training options.
  • NPTC/Lantra certificates
  • Product specific training from manufacturer

PR.ST.7

Standards

Systems must be in place to ensure that post-harvest treatments do not contaminate other products/crops. (Revised)

How you will be measured

PR.ST.7.a

There is awareness of contamination risks and controls are implemented where a risk is identified.

PR.ST.7.b

Stores that have been treated with CIPC must be clearly labelled with a permanent notice indicating CIPC has been used.

PR.ST.7.1

Standards

It is recommended that contractors used for post-harvest treatment of potatoes are certified to the National Association of Agricultural Contractor’s ALBC Post-Harvest Potato Storage Treatment Standard. (New)

ALBC Post-Harvest Potato Storage Treatment Standard certificate

PR.ST.8

Standards

Where third party storage facilities are being used to hold harvested or packed product a contract or formal agreement must be in place defining storage requirements.

How you will be measured

PR.ST.8.a

Contract/agreement, which confirms that third party storage conditions are in line with the Red Tractor Assurance for Farms - Fresh Produce Standards for storage and relevant crop protocols which includes: - allergen status - temperature and storage conditions traceability

Contract/agreement

PR.ST.9

Standards

Regular checks of storage providers to ensure they are meeting requirements (or a suitable alternative form of assurance) must be in place.

How you will be measured

PR.ST.9.a

Checks are carried out to ensure that the product is being stored in line with the contract/agreement held with the store owner or a valid BRCGS certificate is in place.

Store audits or BRCGS certificate