How to reduce postharvest loss
FAO estimates about 14 % of food is lost between harvest and retail. In fresh produce most of that loss is decided by storage discipline, inspection and dispatch accuracy.
Key points
- Enforce FIFO at packing and picking.
- Inspect stock that is ageing before it fails, not after.
- Adjust storage (temperature, atmosphere) or re-pack bins when QC shows decay starting.
- Accurate picking reduces rejections – rejected loads are often wasted loads.
The size of the problem
The FAO's State of Food and Agriculture 2019 estimated around 14 % of food is lost after harvest and before retail; fruit and vegetables have among the highest loss rates. In developing economies losses are concentrated in storage, transport and handling; the African Union's Malabo Declaration targeted halving post-harvest losses by 2025.
1. Strict rotation
Inconsistent stock rotation is the most common cause of avoidable spoilage. Producepak suggests the oldest suitable lot during packing and picking and warns operators who scan a newer one.
2. Inspect before it fails
Use stock age and storage history to decide which lots need a quality inspection now. If decay is starting, change storage conditions (temperature or gas regime) or re-pack bulk bins to remove fruit that will spoil the rest.
3. Accurate picking and loading
Wrong product, wrong grade or damaged pallets lead to rejections. A rejected load of perishables is often a lost load. Scan-verified picking and loading photos cut rejections and support claims against carriers.
4. Cold chain from field to truck
Pre-cool promptly after harvest, keep product in its target range through storage, and pre-cool trucks before loading. Every hour out of range uses up shelf life.
5. Redirect rather than dump
Product that is not fit for its original market may still suit processing, food service or lower grades. Record every downgrade so you can see where losses originate.
Frequently asked questions
What causes most postharvest loss in fruit and vegetables?
Temperature abuse, mechanical damage, poor rotation, delays between harvest and cooling, and rejected loads. Which dominates depends on the crop and supply chain.
How can software reduce postharvest loss?
By enforcing FIFO, flagging ageing stock for inspection, recording storage conditions and making picking accurate so fewer loads are rejected.
