Post-Harvest Handling Checklist
Post-harvest handling is critical for maintaining quality and safety. Follow these procedures immediately after harvest to minimize losses and contamination risks.
- Industry: Agriculture
- Frequency: Each harvest
- Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
- Role: Field Worker / Post-Harvest Supervisor
- Total Items: 33
- Compliance: USDA GAP, Good Agricultural Practices, FSMA Produce Safety Rule
Initial Cooling & Temperature
Remove field heat promptly to maintain quality.
- Cooling initiated within target time?
- Time from Harvest to Cooling (minutes)
- Cooling Method Used
- Target Temperature
- Initial Pulp Temperature
- Final Pulp Temperature After Cooling
Handling Practices
Verify proper physical handling techniques.
- Produce handled gently (no dropping)?
- Containers clean and sanitized?
- Containers not overfilled?
- Proper stacking (no crushing)?
- Produce protected from sun exposure?
- No direct ground contact?
Sanitation & Hygiene
Ensure food safety practices are followed.
- Workers washed hands before handling?
- Gloves worn if required?
- No visible contamination sources?
- Water used (if any) is potable?
- Sanitizer concentration verified?
- Damaged/decayed product removed?
Documentation & Traceability
Maintain proper records for traceability.
- Lot/batch properly labeled?
- Harvest date recorded on containers?
- Field ID recorded on containers?
- Weight/quantity documented?
- Traceability code assigned?
Initial Setup & Documentation
Complete initial documentation and preparation
- Inspector / Assessor Name
- Date
- Location / Area
- Inspection Type
- Previous findings reviewed?
Safety & Compliance Verification
Verify all safety requirements are met
- All safety protocols being followed?
- Emergency exits clear and accessible?
- First aid supplies available and stocked?
- All hazards identified and controlled?
- Required PPE being worn correctly?
Related Agriculture Checklists
- Storage Preparation Checklist
- Yield Tracking Log
- Transport Preparation Checklist
- Picking Crew Briefing Checklist
- Mechanical Harvester Setup Checklist
- Hand Harvesting Standards Checklist
- Harvest Timing Assessment Checklist
- Night Harvest Protocol Checklist
Related Harvesting Checklists
- Harvest Equipment Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Quality Grading Standards Checklist - FREE Download
- Storage Preparation Checklist - FREE Download
- Yield Tracking Log - FREE Download
- Transport Preparation Checklist - FREE Download
- Picking Crew Briefing Checklist - FREE Download
- Mechanical Harvester Setup Checklist - FREE Download
- Hand Harvesting Standards Checklist - FREE Download
- Harvest Timing Assessment Checklist - FREE Download
- Night Harvest Protocol Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Post-Harvest Handling Checklist?
This post-harvest handling checklist helps agriculture teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for field worker / post-harvest supervisor professionals, this checklist covers 33 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: each harvest.
Ensures compliance with USDA GAP, Good Agricultural Practices, FSMA Produce Safety Rule. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Post-Harvest Handling Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 33 inspection items across 6 sections: Initial Cooling & Temperature, Handling Practices, Sanitation & Hygiene, Documentation & Traceability, Initial Setup & Documentation, Safety & Compliance Verification. It is designed for agriculture operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed each harvest. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Who should use this Post-Harvest Handling Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Field Worker / Post-Harvest Supervisor professionals in the agriculture industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.