storedproduct

Stored product refers to any agricultural or manufactured commodity kept after harvest or production for later use, sale, or processing. Stored products include grains and seeds such as wheat, corn, rice, and legumes, as well as dried fruits, nuts, coffee, cocoa, spices, and processed foods. The term also encompasses feeds, pet foods, and other goods stored for distribution or consumption. The primary goal of storage is to maintain quality and prevent losses due to moisture, temperature changes, pests, mold, and contamination.

Stored-product pests are insects, mites, and other organisms that infest and damage these commodities during storage. Common pests include beetles, moths, and mites that infest grain and cereal products, dried fruit, and processed foods. Infestations can cause direct physical damage, degrade product quality, and lead to mycotoxin contamination in some cases, posing food safety risks.

Management of stored products focuses on preserving quality and reducing losses through integrated practices. This typically includes good sanitation and hygiene, proper packaging and sealing, moisture and temperature control, aeration and humidity management, regular inspection and pest monitoring, and the use of approved fumigation or other pest-control methods when necessary and permitted by regulations. Standards for moisture content, temperature, and pest limits are commonly set by industry groups and regulatory bodies to ensure safety and marketability.

Stored product systems also involve quality assessment, inventory management, and traceability to prevent spoilage and to respond to contamination or infestation events quickly.