Taiwan: “Devil is in the detail” in postharvest treatment

Edward Jih, chief engineer of Agrifresh, Taiwan, says that when dealing with exotic fruits a SOP (Standard Operation Protocol) serving as guidance for daily operation is essential to successful postharvest quality preservation. "It begins in the field and must continue through the entire supply chain. It is the guideline to every operator to specify work detail and responsibility. Discipline in 'what to do, when, and by whom' is to make sure that every activity in operation is well attended in detail and to achieve ultimate satisfaction."

As a postharvest consulting firm specialized in exotic and tropical fruit, Agrifresh, Taiwan has provided expert consultation to many packers and shippers over the past decade. Mr Jih has concluded that “Devil is in the detail.” A well designed SOP and discipline is the golden rule that applies to all handlers of tropical items.

Initial postharvest disinfection would kill almost all infective spores of decay fungus on contact but with no extended effect to protect the fruit along entire supply chain. "Thus there is need of a fungicidal measure that would 'stay on' the fruit to be effective during storage and after delivery, especially when fruit enters ambient condition at wholesale and retail."

Recently, Agrifresh developed a series of permeable edible coating with special fungicidal formulation to be applied on most exotic fruit postharvest for decay control while reducing fruit respiration and desiccation. It can also be formulated with antioxidant to use as browning control for fruits such as lychee, longan, rambutan, as well as berries and fresh cut items. This coating contains all GRAS material and can be applied as spray, dip and drench to meet different requirement.

For further information:
Agrifresh Biotech Co.
Edward Jih
Email: jihedward@gmail.com