GB/T 40960-2021Technical regulation of cold-chain circulation for apple (English PDF)

3.1 Cold-chain circulation

A circulation system in which the refrigeration technology is used to maintain a suitable temperature throughout the post-harvest processing, precooling, storage, transportation, distribution, and sales of fresh agricultural products.

3.2 Precooling

The process of quickly removing field heat from the fruit after harvest, and rapidly reducing the initial temperature to a temperature that is above the freezing point and suitable for storage and transportation.

4.1 Harvesting

4.1.1 Harvesting time

Harvesting should be done on sunny days, avoiding rainy days, foggy days, or after rain, and when there is dew. Harvesting shall also be avoided during the hottest part of a sunny day.

4.1.2 Harvest maturity

Harvesting shall be carried out in due time according to the growth and development days of each variety of fruit, fruit firmness, soluble solids content, etc., and shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of GB/T 8559.

4.1.3 Harvesting method

Harvesting shall be done in batches according to storage and transportation time and distance, with appropriate earlier-harvesting for long-term storage and long-distance transportation. Harvesting shall be done gently to avoid mechanical damage, and shall be carried out in accordance with the relevant provisions of NY/T 1086.

4.2 Grading

4.2.1 Sensory requirements

The fruit shall be fresh, clean, free from mechanical damage and pests, and have the normal fruit shape and color of this variety, specifically meeting the requirements of GB/T 10651.

4.2.2 Grade requirements

Apples are graded according to their shape, color, diameter, quality, and other indicators.

The grading standards shall comply with the relevant provisions of GB/T 10651.

4.3 Precooling

Apples should be pre-cooled using cold air or water. Pre-cooling should be carried out within 24 hours after harvest, and within 48 hours, the apples should be pre-cooled to a suitable storage and transportation temperature of 0 °C~5 °C. […]

4.8.2 Means of transport and modes of transport

Refrigerated containers or controlled atmosphere containers are recommended for long-distance and large-scale transportation, while ordinary refrigerated trucks or insulated trucks can be used for short-distance transportation.

4.8.3 Stacking

During refrigerated transport, goods shall not be stacked in direct contact with the floor and side panels of the vehicle. There must be gaps between the goods and the floor and side panels so that each item can be exposed to cold air and ensure a uniform temperature inside the vehicle.

4.8.4 Transportation conditions

During transportation, appropriate low temperatures shall be maintained. For domestic transportation, 3 °C~5 °C is suitable, while for ocean transportation, 0 °C~2 °C is preferable. For short transportation times, moisturizing measures are not necessary, but for ocean transportation, moisturizing measures are required. For long-distance or ocean transportation, ventilation measures shall be taken.

4.9 Sale

4.9.1 Wholesale

The temperature of wholesale warehouses should be controlled between 3 °C and 5 °C.

Wholesale places shall be clean and hygienic. It shall not be stored with toxic or odorous items together.

4.9.2 Retail

Retail shelf temperature should be kept below 5 °C. […]