| | When the rolls of
fruit arrive at the manufacturing plant, they are emptied out onto wire screens
and shaken to remove dirt and other unwanted debris. They are also inspected to
ensure that they meet previously determined specifications. In the United States,
dried raisins are inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture to
ensure that all state and federal food laws are followed. Factors such as moisture
content, color, and taste are all used to evaluate the shipment. Based on their
quality, the raisins are graded as either standard or substandard. Only the standard
graded raisins can be immediately used. Whether
or not some of the fruit will be stored for later processing or moved to the production
lines, is determined by the needs of the manufacturer. If the raisins are moved
for storage, they are stacked outside the plant in temporary storage enclosures.
These enclosures are constructed with polyethylene sheeting fastened to wooden
frames. They are made tight enough to hold the fumigation gasses, which are applied
periodically to inhibit insect growth. Methyl bromide and phosphine gases are
the primary fumigants used. | |
