|
|
|
|
|
|
PACKING
Quality Control
The aim is to get all potatoes from the field to the packhouse within 1 hour from lifting. On arrival at the packhouse a 100 tuber sample is taken from each load and assessed for any defects such as disease, pest damage, mechanical damage, greening or other more minor defects. All our Quality Controllers are fully qualified in identifying these defects and they also have photographic images to help ensure that they can apply a similar judgment throughout the season. Each defect is scored using a two point system with severe defects incurring two defect points whist a minor defect will incur only one defect point. The scores are added together and a decision is then taken as to whether these potatoes are accepted or rejected. Further quality assessments are made after size grading and prior to export.
We also undertake regular benchmarking tests to compare our product sold in each of the supermarkets and shops that we supply as well as routine taste tests. Members of the Island’s Woman’s Institute also undertake taste testing for us under controlled conditions. We compile these results to compare the taste of our Jersey Royal potatoes against other varieties and between different growing conditions such as soil type, plastic use and fertiliser use.
Jersey Royal also operates a quality assurance system which ensures that the products produced are of the highest food safety and food quality. A full traceability system is in operation allowing each unit produced to be traced back to the field of origin. Full records are kept to ensure that these standards are maintained and are fully auditable. Systems are in place to ensure, as far as is practicably possible, that potatoes produced are free of any contaminants and residues.
Cooling
Cooling reduces the degradation of the tuber and so prolongs shelf-life. Therefore each load is stored for a short period in purpose built rapid air coolers to take the field heat from the crop. Temperatures are reduced to below 15ºC prior to grading. It takes around 12-24 hours to reduce temperatures by some 10ºC.
Following the size grading and inspection process the packed products are placed in holding cold stores prior to dispatch from the Island in refrigerated transport.
Grading
The whole crop is then removed from the cooler and graded over rotating screens into various sizes. These screens are interchangeable to allow a variety of size grades, the main bands being as follows:
- 20-30mm
- 30-35mm
- 35-45mm
- 35-55mm
- 45-55mm
The graders are also equipped with roller inspection tables which turn each tuber through 360º to allow staff to see all around the tuber and remove defects as necessary. The graders are manned by some 120 staff with an output of some 10-15 tonnes per hour. A range of packaging types are also used including;
- 6kg kegs
- 10kg paper bags
- 15kg paper bags
- 20kg paper bags
- 20kg returnable trays
- 1 tonne bulk bags
We have also invested heavily in washing facilities in order to supply washed Jersey Royals to offer our customers a choice.
|
|
|
|
|