Assessment and Characterizing Mechanical Damage in Packaged Bananas in the Post-harvest Supply Chain

Abstract

Quality deterioration in packaged bananas caused by mechanical damage along the post-harvest supply chains (SC) remains obscure until the packages are unpacked for sale at the retail stores and therefore, the mechanism of damage occurrence remains unclear. This study assessed the mechanical damage levels of bananas in 300 cartons from pack houses to retail stores in Australia. The damage across the SC were shown to be progressive across the SC. Bruising and neck damage levels in bananas increased from the distribution centre (DC) to the retail stores. Mechanical damage in unripe bananas was influenced by the package location in the stacked-pallet, and the transport and handling of packages within the last-mile of the SC (DC to retail) further exacerbated the damage. This study further characterized the damage development by subjecting packaged bananas to simulated vibration, top-load compression and drop impact. It was revealed that the exposure to vibration resulted in rubbing; top-load package compression contributed to bruising and, the drop impact caused severe neck injuries in bananas. The knowledge of the damage incidences across the SC and causes of damage may contribute to the development of interventions targeted at improving the quality of bananas in the post-harvest SC in Australia.