Units 9-10

Question 1

What are the primary functions/benefits of packaging? (9)

Answer 1

1) serves as handling unit
2) protects from physical and mechanical injuries
3) protects from moisture loss
4) provides sanitary environment
5) facilitates various controls
6) serves as a marketing tool
7) communicates with consumers
8) promotion of product, identification & branding
9) provides MA within

Question 2

List the common types of mechanical injury to fruits and vegetables during
their postharvest storage. Indicate what are their main causes and how
each of them be minimized?

Answer 2

types of mechanical injuries:

• compression: caused by produce weight within package, overfilling/stacking; underfilling (collapse)
• impact: caused by dropping from heights, dropping filled containers, dropping items on produce, jerky transportation, sudden breaks, bumpy roads
• cuts
• vibration: caused mostly during transportation