Postharvest innovations to improve food safety

Use of airtight plastic bags in San Pedro Ixcatlán, Oaxaca. (Photo: CIMMYT)  

Article written by CIMMYT

In the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste framework, hermetic postharvest technologies are positioned as a crucial innovation in the fight against food loss and food insecurity. 

The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste on September 29 is a crucial date to reflect on one of humanity’s most pressing challenges. According to the United Nations, approximately one-third of the food produced in the world is lost or wasted each year, amounting to about 1.3 billion tons of food. This figure is alarming and calls for concrete action to address the global food crisis. 

In this context, it is important to highlight the innovative postharvest solutions that are being implemented to reduce food losses and increase food security in different parts of the world. In particular, CIMMYT has been working hard to promote good postharvest practices and hermetic technologies that are making a difference. 

One of the most outstanding achievements is the use of hermetic post-harvest technologies in Africa. In countries such as Zambia, Tanzania, and Malawi, hermetic post-harvest technologies, such as hermetic plastic bags, are making a significant contribution to improving food security on the continent, thanks to AID-I – a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) project implemented by CIMMYT, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) and other partners. 

Airtight storage of grains prevents the proliferation of pests and reduces post-harvest losses, which has a direct impact on the availability of food for communities. 

In southeastern Mexico, there has also been an increase in the use of hermetic post-harvest technologies has also increased, thanks to projects such as those supported by CIMMYT and the Walmart Foundation, which have included campaigns to warn about the risk of mycotoxins, for example. As a result, local farmers have been able to conserve their produce for longer and reduce the losses they previously experienced due to inadequate storage conditions. This initiative empowers local communities and strengthens food security in the region. 

Similarly, through training programs and good postharvest practices promoted by the Resilient AgriLAC initiative, CIMMYT specialists and their collaborators are sharing valuable lessons in countries such as Guatemala and Honduras. The experience gained in Latin America is contributing to the create successful models that can be replicated elsewhere, promoting food security on a global scale. 

It is also important to emphasize that postharvest is not only about reducing losses but also about preserving food quality and flavor. As a concrete example, tortillas retain their flavor when hermetic postharvest technologies are used, according to producer families who have used these technologies. This not only benefits consumers but also adds value to products for local farmers and producers. 

In summary, on the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, it is important to recognize the critical role that hermetic post-harvest technologies and best practices play in combating food waste and improving food security. These advances are concrete examples of how innovation can make a difference in the lives of communities and the preservation of our planet. To address this global challenge, we must continue to collaborate and adopt sustainable solutions at all levels of the food chain.