The best way to reduce the possibility of a fuel or oil spill is to take preventative steps to minimize the chance that a spill will occur. Preventative steps include: (1) use of food grade oil; (2) proper storage and handling of fuel and oils and; (3) regular maintenance and inspection of equipment. In spite of taking these steps to minimize spills, accidents do occur.
Even though most spills tend to happen during harvest, you should be prepared to handle a fuel or oil spill at any time during the year. Should an accidental spill occur, be prepared to respond quickly. Clean-up preparedness requires: (1) prior training in clean-up procedures; (2) immediate availability of clean-up (spill kit) materials and; (3) prompt notification to the handler. Following the recommended practices will insure food safety and reduced environmental risk.
Despite the fact that the FDA tolerance, the legal allowable amount of food grade lubricant residue that can occur on cranberries, is 10 ppm, the goal of every grower should be to deliver fruit with no food-grade oil residue.
Remember that there is no tolerance for non-food grade oil or fuel on cranberries
