ABSTRACT
Several factors lead to the cumulative causes of postharvest food losses. These include inefficient harvesting and drying methods, poor processing techniques, inadequate methods of storage and distribution and, even in the home, poor preparation or use of the foodstuffs. The actual causes can be categorized into two main groups, the primary and secondary causes of postharvest losses. A important secondary consequence is the actual removal of food commodities from international trade as a result of the need for quarantine treatment. The more traditional methods of grain distribution in some parts of the world make exclusive use of, for example, jute sacks rather than bulk shipments, and are thus more susceptible to leakage, or insect infestation. Insects are easily distributed by international trade and by tourism. In order to prevent or minimize this risk, many countries have established quarantine measures fully supported by laws and regulations. The extent of actual postharvest losses is difficult to determine accurately.
