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Special Study of Damage to Fruit in Transit Recommended

28th August 1959, Page 47
28th August 1959
Page 47
Page 47, 28th August 1959 — Special Study of Damage to Fruit in Transit Recommended
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

ASPECIAL organization should be set up, with a whole-time staff to investigate the causes of damage in transit to fruit and vegetables, and study means for reducing it. Serious inefficiencies occurred in many markets, and work study should be applied to find ways of removing them, although comprehensive rebuilding would solve this difficulty.

These points are made in the report of the Horticultural Marketing Advisory Council presented to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food last week. The document contains two annexes—one of the report of a committee who examined the handling of produce in transit, and the other the report of a committee who investigated wholesale markets.

The first committee could find little information on the extera or the cost of damage which occurred to produce carried between farm and shop. However, damage which made 0.1 per cent, of produce unsaleable would cost £250,000 a year. Inquiries showed that damage was much more widespread than this. Great savings could be effected by reducing it.

Thoughtlessness

Apart from damage because of inadequate facilities and unsuitable containers, much was the result of thoughtlessness and inattention to detail. This occurred through the whole chain of distribution. Frequently those who caused damage were unaware of it, as the effects were not apparent until later. The cumulative effect of damage was not fully revealed until the housewife bought the produce in the retail shop.

The Ministry set a much higher standard than the trade in assessing damage. and such an acceptance of lower standards had its dangers for the industry. It was impossible to judge how much business was lost because potential cus:omers were deterred from buying by the sight of produce which, although not seriously damaged, had lost its freshness and bloom. Sales lost to competing products, of which so many were now available in attractive packages and of standard qualities, might not easily be regained.

Provision of mechanical aids in markets and other places where produce was concentrated could be expected to improve handling, but a prerequisite might be better layout of markets and distributing centres, and the more widespread adoption of standard packages.

Improved Handling Better deployment of labour would also lead to improved handling. Further examination should be given to labour arrangements and facilities at the ports, where a high proportion of damage occurred.

The committee which investigated wholesale markets referred to factors which affected the circulation of traffic within and around them. Work studies might throw light on particular causes of congestion. This had been successfully tried in the U.S.A.

Special attention should be given to he turn-round times of vehicles and drivers deliveringproduce by road and rail, and the time taken by retailers in completing their day's purchases. The possibility of using common facilities for storage, including the accommodation of empty containers, should also be investigated.


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