SORTING & GRADING
Preparation
Sorting & Grading
PrerequisiteAlso: culling · grading line · optical sort
Removing defective, damaged, or off-spec product and segregating by size, ripeness, color, or quality grade.
Typical Hazards
- BBiologicalFailure to remove visibly contaminated/rotten produce that harbors pathogens
- CChemicalFailure to remove decomposed product producing biogenic amines / mycotoxins
- PPhysicalFailure to remove foreign material at the easiest detection point
Typical Controls
- Trained inspector with documented reject criteria
- Adequate lighting (FDA reference: 540 lux at inspection point)
- Inspection speed within established time-per-unit
- Optical sorter calibration log
Regulatory Citations
4 cross-references across 3 documents