5-8.
DEHYDRATION
Dehydration, loss of water from the product, is usually due to improper storage
conditions. In leafy vegetables, dehydration is evidenced by loss of turgor or wilted
leaves. In nonleafy items, dehydration is evidenced by shriveled, wrinkled appearance.
5-9.
FOREIGN MATERIAL
Foreign material is any extraneous matter which does not organically belong
where found, which has been introduced from the outside, or which does not naturally
occur in the quantity found at the location examined. This can include body parts from
rodents and/or birds, excreta, chemical compounds, glass, and so forth.
5-10. DETERIORATION FROM UNKNOWN CAUSE
Examine the product for deterioration of unknown cause. If found, notify the
veterinary officer. The veterinary officer will determine the cause of the condition, or he
may have you prepare a sample of the product for submission to the medical laboratory.
5-11. DETERMINING THE AMOUNT, SEVERITY, AND EXTENT OF A
DETERIORATIVE CONDITION
After you have determined the deteriorative conditions in fresh fruits and
vegetables, determine the amount of deteriorative condition present in the product.
You, the 91R20, will then determine the severity and extent of the condition. For this,
you will use contractual documents or local SOP, as applicable. This information may
have already been supplied by the 91R10 veterinary food inspection specialist's
inspection reports.
Section II. DETERMINATION OF POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARDS,
RECOMMENDATIONS, AND REFERENCES
5-12. DETERMINATION OF POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARDS
a. Product Examination. Determine the existence of any potential health
hazard based upon type and amount of product deterioration. A health hazard is
defined as any substance that could harm a person's health and/or well-being.
b. Product Track Record. Normally intact fresh fruits and vegetables present
no health hazard unless contaminated by foreign material. However, research has
shown that even fresh-cut produce can support rapid microbial growth.
MD0723
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