Impact of Post-harvest Storage Practices of dried Plant Materials (PhSPPMat) on Quality control and suggestive recommendations for Good Storage Practices (GSPs)

In Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) guides the inspection and production of beef meat and prescribes the good practices pertinent to beef products’ handling, processing, and packaging. Specifically, good hygiene practice (GHP) assures beef product safety and consumer protection, whereas good storage practice (GSP) assures the continuity of hygiene activities within the storage stages. Relevant literature about butchers’ knowledge and perception of good hygiene and storage practices within Nigeria slaughterhouses remains scant. This current study, therefore, assessed butchers’ knowledge and perception of good hygiene and storage practices through a cattle slaughterhouse case analysis. The selected cattle slaughterhouse serves the increasingly thriving Nsukka beef market in Enugu State, Nigeria. Content validation was utilised to authenticate the questionnaire items, which were administered face-to-face to the respondents (i.e., the butchers). The questionnaire included a total of 30 questions. The results showed that the butchers were male (Freq. = 100%, n = 50), acquired their knowledge informally (Freq. = 88%, n = 44), were largely with more than 5 years of slaughterhouse experience (Freq. = 82%, n = 41), and were strongly (p < 0.0001) familiar with good hygiene (Freq. = 96%, n = 48) and storage (Freq. = 98%, n = 49) practices. The butchers provided examples that demonstrated knowledge and perception aspects of GHP and GSP. The perception aspects of GHP and GSP were correlated more, compared to knowledge and knowledge versus perception. Very conscious of their knowledge and perception of good hygiene and storage practices, the butchers herein have to strive for continuous improvement in their slaughterhouse activities to assure beef quality and consumer safety.

The distribution of pharmaceutical products is critical to the success of an integrated supply chain management system. It is essential that the concepts of Good Distribution Practices (GDP) and Good Storage Practices (GSP) are followed inall aspects of pharmaceutical product distribution and storage operations. Due to the fact that they are both components of the pharmaceutical product management chain and, as such, are closely related, the terms GSP and GDP are sometimes used interchangeably.

Ensuring good storage practices (GSPs) of medicine outlets is important to maintain and ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of dispensed medicines. The objective of this scoping review was to determine the most common GSP compliance issues within pharmacies and medicine outlets. PRISMA extension for scoping reviews guidelines were followed, and PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to identify the relevant primary literature from January 2016 and February 2022. All study designs in English were eligible for inclusion as long as they reported quantitative data for the fulfilment of individual GSP activities. Duplicate independent screening of the search results was undertaken. Quality assessment was performed on studies for final inclusion. Data extraction was performed by one reviewer, and the observed aggregate percentage compliance (% compliance), along with 95% confidence interval for the root GSP operation, was calculated. Of the 380 records identified, 15 articles were included. The studies were conducted in 10 countries and the majority were participatory research studies. Fire safety had the lowest aggregate % compliance (0.9%). Controlled substance, climate, light, ventilation and temperature and stock and bookkeeping operations all had overall aggregate % compliance levels below 50%. Despite evidence of basic controls and measures, we identified low compliance for many GSP operations. To ensure the integrity of medicines, it is important to increase the enforcement of security measures, invest resources in personnel training, account for informal vendor practices, and facilitate sharing global data publicly from external and governing body inspections and reviews of storage practices.

BackgroundEnsuring the quality of pharmaceutical products is essential for effective healthcare delivery. Good storage practices (GSPs) play a crucial role in maintaining drug integrity and safety.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the adherence of Syrian drug import warehouses to GSP and identify key factors influencing compliance.MethodsA mixed-methods research design was employed, involving questionnaires and observations of drug import warehouses in Syria. Data were collected from June to August 2022. The first questionnaire assessed the reality of applying GSP, while the second explored perceived benefits and obstacles. The majority of respondents (>80%) had at least 6years of working experience in the drug warehouse field.ResultsTwenty-three public and private warehouses participated out of the 26 warehouses that were the subject of our study (88%). The study found that in Syria, a significant difference has been detected between existing requirements in drug import warehouses and the needed requirements for the successful implementation of GSP (p = 0.000). Key constraints to GSP implementation included a lack of a quality-oriented culture among warehouse owners (100%) and inadequate equipment (87%). Regarding the benefits of GSP application, respondents identified ensuring the quality of sensitive products (100%) and reducing waste and damage (96%) as the most important.ConclusionsTo enhance GSP adherence, warehouses should prioritize staff training, adopt electronic data loggers, secure fuel for generators, obtain GSP certificates, and raise public awareness. Government agencies and international organizations should support these efforts and provide financial incentives.

Objective: To characterize the environmental, organizational, and operational conditions under which storage and distribution operations are carried out in the Warehouses of the Metropolitan Health Region. Materials and Methods: A descriptive observational cross-sectional, field study with a mixed-methods approach was conducted. Data collection was based on direct participatory observation of processes performed by administrative and operational staff during user service, using a structured observation guide to systematize data for analysis. Results: It was found that medical supplies and equipment are stored under inadequate conditions, marked by a lack of control and stability in temperature and humidity. Additionally, there is no systematic method for prioritizing supplies based on expiration dates. The physical space of the warehouses is insufficient, and the internal product distribution hinders agile and safe access to the supplies. Furthermore, there is an absence of regular supervision of storage and dispatch operations, limiting process efficiency and control. Conclusion: The environmental, organizational, and operational conditions of the regional warehouses were characterized, revealing significant deficiencies in the storage and distribution logistics system. These conditions reflect a logistics system that does not incorporate Good Storage Practices, negatively impacting the efficiency and quality of service provided to users. Therefore, improvements are necessary to ensure environmental, organizational, and operational standards that optimize management and guarantee the availability and quality of supplies. Keywords: Logistics, Drug Storage, Drugs, Good Storage and Distribution Practices.

PurposeThis paper aimed to the enhancement of health-care services at a female penitentiary center in Costa Rica by implementing good documentation practices (GDocP) and good storage and distribution practices (GSDP) among the staff responsible for medications (SRM).Design/methodology/approachThe methodology used in this project was qualitative, as it sought to deepen and reinforce the knowledge of the SRM about GDocP and GSDP in the Vilma Curling CAI to achieve its implementation. Additionally, different questionnaires were applied to measure the initial level of knowledge of GDocP and GSDP and the new skills acquired by the SRM at the end of the project.FindingsSome improvement opportunities were identified in pharmaceutical service, management of the documentary system and knowledge of GDocP and GSDP among SRM. It is important to highlight the essential role of pharmacists, as experts in medical products, in health-care teams. Their participation significantly contributes to improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations, such as incarcerated women.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations included a small sample size, the security regulations to entry to the penitentiary center and limited information related to the implementation of GDocP and GSDP in such environment.Originality/valueThis project explores a poorly researched field such as the implementation of GDocP and GSDP and the impact that this could have on the pharmaceutical service of a penitentiary center.

Nigerian farmers in general and those in Lagos State inclusive face multitude of challenges among which is large percentage of their crop yield lost due to poor handling and storage practices as determined by the type of storage structure used. Good storage practice when employed can reduce or completely eliminate crop losses. A survey was carried out through questionnaires and oral interviews to identify the type of storage structures employed in the four zones of Lagos State (Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Badagry, Ikorodu / Epe ). The outcome of the interviews and the questionnaires provided an insight into the problems experienced by the farmers in each zones which include, activities of insects, rats, birds, micro- organisms, pathogens and the interplay of some environmental conditions that could promote the activities of these agents of deterioration. Solution on how to reduce crop losses due to poor storage practices include disinfecting stores and cribs, using new bags , maintaining a moisture content favourable to crops during storage as well structural maintenance of silos ,replacement of weak members in cribs and platforms and maintaining good ventilation in barns, rhombus and rooms to eliminate micro-organic activities were suggested. DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2013.v3n8p33

The development of the food and beverage industry has led to an increasing demand for the availability of liquid sugar. To ensure the hygiene of liquid sugar products, quality control is necessary, one of which is through microbiological analysis. This study aims to identify the presence of Salmonella sp. in liquid sugar produced by PT XYZ using microbiological and genetic analysis methods. The methods applied include bacterial inoculation on Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate (XLD) agar as a specific medium and Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) to detect bacterial DNA. The results showed no color changes in the XLD medium that would indicate the presence of Salmonella sp. Additionally, the RT-PCR results did not show amplification in the samples, except for the positive control. This indicates that the tested liquid sugar products are free from Salmonella sp. contamination, demonstrating the effectiveness of good sanitation and storage practices during production.

Background: Expressed breast milk (EBM) is the best alternative to direct breastfeeding. However, expressing breast milk requires good milk handling and storage practices to preserve EBM safety and integrity. Mothers require handling and storage guidance, and many seek this from the internet and online support groups. Aim: This study aimed at exploring EBM handling and storage practices within an online exclusively expressing community and comparing these with both internet resources and evidence-based research. Methods: A naturalistic observational design was used. Content analysis was undertaken on 10,000 posts from an Australian Facebook peer-support community for women who exclusively express breast milk. Women's questions, reported practices, and advice for EBM handling and storage were analyzed thematically and compared with both guidelines and evidence-based research. Findings: There were 460 posts on EBM handling and storage. Three key themes emerged: "How should I store my EBM?," "How long can I store my EBM?," and "How do I use my EBM?" The greatest consistency and agreement between recommendations and community practices were found for storage methods, whereas the least was found for storage times. EBM handling and storage practices were influenced by factors such as EBM value, convenience, and cost, leading to occasional deviations from consistent practice recommendations. Conclusion: To facilitate safe EBM handling and continuation of expression, guidelines should be updated so they are consistent, align with current evidence, and cater to mothers' cost, convenience, and milk wastage concerns. Health care providers can partner with women to evaluate online information to empower mothers in their decision making.

BackgroundPearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) production has decreased over the years due to several constraints, including insect pest attacks, which contribute to its status as neglected and underutilized species in Benin. In order to develop an integrated pest management strategy, we documented farmers’ post-harvest conservation practices, perceptions, and management of storage insect pests. Four hundred millet producers were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire in 76 villages in northern Benin. The entomofauna associated with stored pearl millet was identified by extracting samples from farmers’ storage structures and incubating them for a month in the laboratory.ResultsOur results showed that farmers perceived insect pests as the most important constraint to pearl millet storage. Vernacular taxonomy and local nomenclature of insect pests of stored pearl millet varied among sociolinguistic groups. Four species of insects were associated with stored millet with the weevils Sitophilus oryzae L. and Sitophilus zeamais L. as the most important ones. Three storage structures (attic, bedroom, and store) and a storage tool (polypropylene bags) were inventoried. Synthetic chemical insecticides were the most commonly used method for protecting stored millet. Also, farmers employed four plants that repel and kill insects to safeguard stored pearl millet. A differential sensitivity of pearl millet varieties to storage insect attacks was reported with four potential resistant varieties. Some factors that influence the use of a pest management method were determined.ConclusionsThe development of an integrated pest management needs to test the sensitivity of resistant varieties and the bioactivity of recorded insecticidal plants. The farmers’ perception suggests that the Souhoun n’nin gberenou landrace and the usage of bark of A. senegalensis and leaves of A. indica are the best ways to preserve millet for a long time. Raising awareness among pearl millet producers on good storage practices and the biological management of storage insect pests were recommended. Factors that influence the use of pest management methods must be integrated into the development of national strategies.

The dangers inherent in the improper storage of photographic film, especially microfilm, and the necessity of following good storage practices are reviewed.Enhanced image stability is obtained by treatment of processed microfilm with a dilute solution of Kodak Rapid Selenium Toner. This treatment has been extremely effective in preventing discolouration and microspot formation under accelerated ageing conditions. The selenium treatment coupled with recommended storage practices (storage below 70°F, 15-40% RH) using recommended filing enclosures and containers would indicate that microfilm will last for manY hundreds of years.

Background: Good storage practice is fundamental to prevent the deterioration of medications and to ensure their quality and safeties are maintained. This case study focuses on maintaining proper storage conditions without risking degradation. Case Presentation: An incident occurred in a paediatric pharmacy in Al-Sabah hospital, Al-Sabah medical area, Kuwait, in September 2021; an 11-year-old child diagnosed with weakness in the gastroesophageal valve and a physician prescribed omeprazole suspension preparation as an oral dosage form for daily based using. After dispensing 30 bottles from the pharmacy, the patient's parent stored all quantities dispended at room temperature rather than refrigerated. However, the medication company stated that the patient or healthcare giver should refrigerate before and after opening the bottle. Due to this inappropriate storage practice, the suspension preparations deteriorated and spoiled. Conclusion: Inappropriate dosage practices are preventable by simple solutions. Preparing training and assessment programs for pharmacists is essential to focus on the importance of proper and complete patient counselling and to ensure that the patient or healthcare giver stores medications in special storage conditions. Moreover, creating a policy for dispensing drugs that require specific storage conditions, such as labelling medications with specific storage conditions with specific-coloured labels and dispensing cooling boxes for them.

Peanut production contributes to food security in northern Ghana due to its ability to tolerate drought and survive on marginal lands. This notwithstanding, poor handling along the value chain favors aflatoxin contamination, a threat to human and animal life. Farmer-led improved storage practice, a potential solution to aflatoxin contamination, have been promoted in northern Ghana. However, there is limited evidence on the factors influencing the use of the improved storage system that may guide dissemination efforts. Using the Cragg’s two stage model, our results show that the probability and intensity of adopting the improved storage structure is principally and significantly influenced by economic active household members, storing of peanut in other places relative to the field, and location of farmer residence. In disseminating the improved peanut storage structure, the identified factors must be incorporated in the selection criteria to ensure maximum uptake and usage. Farmer training programs that incorporate both good agronomic practices and good storage practices must be intensified to reduce postharvest losses due to aflatoxin contamination. These strategies will help mitigate the harmful effect of aflatoxin, ensure economic sustainability, and enhance food security.

Context: The poor storage practices in warehouses and pharmacies may lead to drug degradation. Aims: To analyze the Good Storage Practices for medicines in the warehouse and pharmacies of the Hospital Escuela of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Methods: A mixed research was carried out using a qualitative-quantitative approach, non-experimental design, and descriptive cross-sectional scope. Semi-structured interviews were applied to warehouse and pharmacy staff using an instrument with dichotomous responses and a box for recording observations during visits. The facilities, storage, equipment, documentation, internal distribution, and the responsible staff in the warehouse and pharmacies were evaluated. Results: Giving the compliance percentages obtained were the following: facilities, 37%; storage, 59%; equipment, 42%; documentation, 63%; internal distribution, 61%; staff, 53%. Further, 77% of the areas where medicines were stored that did not need refrigeration were found within the permitted ranges of temperature and percentage of relative humidity. On the other hand, 85.71% of temperature measurements in refrigeration equipment were reported outside the permitted range. However, no drugs stored were found to be at risk of frostbite during the study. Conclusions: The Good Storage Practices at Hospital Escuela should be strengthened to reach a maximum level of compliance. Likewise, the processes of handling, conservation of the cold chain, and preservation of the medicine should be improved until it is dispensed to the patient.

Stunting among children under five years old is still a problem in many developing countries including Kenya. However, there is little information linking stunting with mycotoxin contamination of complementary foods. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge about aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination in sorghum alongside postharvest handling and storage practices among caregivers of children under five years old in Kerio Valley, Kenya. A cross‐sectional study was conducted to obtain data from 353 randomly selected caregivers of children aged 6–59 months. Qualitative data were obtained through Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews. Overall, majority of the caregivers of young children had poor knowledge (61.8%) about mycotoxin contamination of food, and poor postharvest handling and storage practices (74.5%). The caregiver's knowledge about mycotoxins was significantly associated with age [(AOR=4.629, (95% Cl: 2.530–8.472), p < .001], education level [(AOR=0.275, (95% Cl: 0.088–0.434), p = .001], marital status [(AOR=15.187, (95% Cl: 1.830–126.007), p = .012], and household monthly income [(AOR=2.623, (95% Cl: 1.550–4.439), p < 0,001]. Furthermore, the caregiver's age [(AOR=3.845, (95% Cl: 1.558–9.490), p = .003], education level [(AOR=0.196, (95% Cl: 0.088–0.434), p < .001], monthly income [(AOR=3.291, (95% Cl: 1.550–6.986), p = .002], and knowledge on mycotoxin contamination of sorghum [AOR, 5.428 (95% Cl: 2.855–10.319), p < .001] were significantly associated with postharvest handling and storage practices except for marital status [AOR, 3.579 (95% Cl: 0.403–31.775), p = .252]. In conclusion, caregivers of young children had poor knowledge about mycotoxin contamination of complementary foods and suboptimal postharvest handling and storage practices of sorghum. This increases the risk of mycotoxin exposure to young children and necessitates mitigation measures including sensitization campaigns and social behavior change communication.