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Below grade damage due to other than physical injury present no particular 

 problem. 



The increase from 5% to 297. for bruises and 14% to 297, for broken skin in 

 the poly bags is a significant difference. Apples sold in bulk or bagged in 

 the store did not show significant increases in bruises in the lots checked in 

 this study. These apples did have more broken skin on the display counter. 

 A relatively small number of lots were in the "bulk" and "store bagged" 

 categories. Other studies have shown more damage in store bagged apples and 

 instances of this were recorded in this study. 



The problem of broken skin and bruises was discussed with growers and 

 produce counter managers. Also observations were made of handling procedures. 

 The following list of places where damage to apples may occur, with suggestions 

 for reducing the damage, is made from these discussions and observations. 



Places where injury takes place and suggestions (S) for reducing damage . 



FROM PACKING SHED TO STORE COOLER: 



1. Bags packed in vertical position in master cartons - bruises occurring 

 in loading, jouncing on truck, unloading, handling and stacking. 



(S) Lay bags on side. 



2. Master cartons or boxes not strong enough. 

 Weak from re-use. 



Not made strong enough. 



Interior partition too low. 



Interior partition not strong enough. 



Cartons weakened by standing in water or moistened. 



(S) Use only strong master cartons with partitions capable of 

 carrying load of stacked cartons. Secure more careful 

 handling, try to avoid dropping and throwing, use conveyors, 

 stack on slatted platforms in wet coolers. Avoid having to 

 sell soft apples (less than 10 lbs. pressure test). (11 lbs. 

 is better because about a pound is lost in the retail 

 operation.) 



3. Staples in master cartons. 



(S) More care in placing of staples in closing master cartons. 

 Use of tapes to seal cartons. 



4. Bottom bruising in wooden crates. 



(S) Use pads in bottom of wood boxes. 



5. Apples too loosely packed in bags - bruising, broken skin. 



(S) Improve techniques of tightening bag in closing process. 



6. Increased damage on apples damaged in packing. 



(S) More careful sorting and handling in packing operation. 



