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Harvesting
Do not harvest dropped apples.
Apples that have dropped onto the ground may have become contaminated with animal manure and should not be used for the fresh market or cider production. Apples attached to lower branches that have contacted the ground under their own weight also should not be used. Training and supervision of harvesters is necessary to ensure that only tree-picked apples are used.
Use only clean, wholesale apples.
Only apples that meet the minimum quality standards for "U.S. Cider Grade," that is, "free from decay, wormholes, and internal breakdown," should be used. Heavily bruised, punctured, or decaying apples, or fruit that is obviously contaminated with bird feces, should not be used for fresh market or cider apple production.
Keep harvest containers clean to prevent cross-contamination of apples.
Harvest containers used repeatedly during a harvest should be routinely cleaned after each load is delivered and before reuse. Removing mud from containers when fields are muddy may not be practical. At such times, adhering mud should be removed at the packing facility prior to sorting, grading, and packing.
Whenever possible, use containers made from cleanable materials. Wooden containers are more difficult to clean and sanitize and, therefore, should be avoided. Discard damaged containers that are no longer cleanable.
Containers should be stored in a clean area free from pests such as rodents, birds, and insects. If the containers are stored outside, they should be cleaned and, as necessary, sanitized before being used to haul apples.
Move the apples rapidly from the field to storage.
Do not let the fruit sit out in the orchard where it is exposed to pests and high temperatures. If apples are to be stored for an extended period of time, quickly cool them to 45 degrees F or lower.
Clean harvest storage facilities before use.
Facilities used to store apples should be cleaned and, as necessary, sanitized before harvest. These facilities also should be inspected for evidence of pests such as rodents, birds, and insects.
Use harvesting and packing equipment appropriately and keep it as clean as possible.
Any equipment used to haul garbage, manure, or other debris should not be used to haul apples or be allowed to contact containers or pallets that are used to haul apples without first being carefully cleaned and sanitized.