This publication was prepared within the framework of FAO Project PFL/INT/857 "Global Inventory, Reference Materials and Food Safety Training Programme for Improving the Quality and Safety of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables". The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of frontiers or boundaries. Parts of this Manual may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes by fully acknowledging the source: "Improving quality and safety of fresh fruits and vegetables: a practical approach. Manual for trainers", Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2004. Reproduction of material in this Manual for commercial purposes is prohibited without written permission of the copyright holders. Application for such permission should be addressed to the Chief, Publishing and Multimedia Service, Information Division, FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy, or by E-mail to copyright@fao.org.