An FAO programme for improving the quality and safety of fresh fruits and vegetables

The Food Quality and Standards service (AGNS) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) completed a project. 'Global Inventory, Reference Materials and Food Safety Training Programme for Improving the Quality and Safety of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables', under the FAO Action Programme for the Prevention of Food Losses (PFL). The project was focused on the application of 'Good Practices' including Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) to prevent hazards along the fresh fruits and vegetables chain. Government officials and employees of food enterprises were taught the importance of good practices, and attained practical skills to improve safe production, harvesting, handling, storage, transport, and marketing of fresh fruits and vegetables. The project was also intended to increase global free trade and economic opportunities for the fresh produce industry.