From the desk of

The Produce Safety Team

April 10th, 2023

Things to Consider When Spring Cleaning 

Springtime is here, and there are many things to do on the farm to prepare for the upcoming season.

When it comes to produce safety, cleaning and sanitizing all equipment used during harvesting or packing should be a high priority on the to-do list. We have compiled a list of resources below to help navigate the cleaning and sanitizing of different equipment and areas on the farm. 

Cleaning and Sanitation Basics

When cleaning and sanitizing, keep in mind that a dirty surface cannot be sanitized and that cleaning must come first. 

• Document: “Cleaning vs. Sanitizing” by Produce Safety Alliance
• Video: “Cleaning, Sanitizing, & Disinfecting” by MSU Extension Produce Safety  
• Document: “Introduction to Selecting an EPA-Labeled Sanitizer” by Produce Safety Alliance 

Utensils and Packing Containers

• Document: “Cleaning Tools & Supplies for Produce Farms” by The University of Vermont Extension
• Video: “Color Coding Cleaning Tools” by Institute for Food Safety at Cornell University...

PODCAST EPISODE

Regular vs. Deep Cleaning On the Farm

This episode features Phil Tocco, MSU Extension Produce Safety Educator, and Morgan Anderson, Michigan Conservation District Produce Safety Technician. They discuss the importance of maintaining a regular cleaning and sanitizing schedule, and provide guidance on what to pay attention to when conducting a deep clean before the season starts.

Listen Here

Harvest Containers: Cleaning, sanitizing, & storage

More resources to help you achieve your produce safety goals

Worker Training Texting Service

Online Produce Safety Supervisor Training