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In a press release, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) has reminded growers that ensuring the quality of the harvested crop is paramount.
One quality aspect of the crop is the lack of foreign material associated with the incoming crop. Foreign material is any material that is not the potato tuber. It is “trash” or “garbage” associated with the crop.
Examples may include bones, aluminum cans, metal, used irrigation parts, golf balls, cell phones, gloves… the list can be endless. Many foreign materials originate in the field, but others enter the product stream through equipment and during storage and handling.
Some of the basics of a foreign-material-reduction program include cleaning trucks, picking up garbage in and around fields, educating employees on identifying and removing foreign material, having accessible garbage cans near employees, and cleaning and running a magnet through the storage. Utilize available harvest and handling equipment to reduce debris, corn cobs/crowns, rocks and other foreign material from the crop.
Whether potatoes are destined for the fresh market or processing, foreign material is a great concern to the potato industry. Minimizing foreign material in the field, storage, and the processing plant and fresh pack facility can help maintain a high-quality product, safe standards, and consumer confidence.
Here are two ways to help educate employees at harvest via watching on-line video and prominently displaying posters. Both educational materials are located at www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/food-and-farm-safety.
The video ‘Continuing to Manage Foreign Material for Quality Idaho Potatoes’ outlines ways you can reduce foreign material in your potatoes. The 20-minute video is available in English and Spanish versions.
Download and print a ‘Remove Foreign Materials’ poster (16″ x 24”) that provides examples of common foreign material found in potato production. Display the poster in areas to educate employees and as a reminder to remove foreign material. Click this link to review an example of the printable poster.
