IMPLICATIONS OF SOCIOECONOMIC TYPE THAT HAVE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FOOD SAFETY PROGRAMS IN THE PRODUCTION SECTOR OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLES IN MEXICO

Abstract

The production of fruit and vegetables in Mexico has become an important source of economic resources in recent years. It is a sector that has remained in constant growth and currently leads the group of products of the agri-food sector that is most exported. However, at present, most of the productive units engaged in this activity in Mexico suffer from the implementation of programs aimed at reducing the risks of contamination and improving the health and safety of food; for example: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Management Practices (GMP). These practices have the objective of reducing physical, chemical and biological contamination, and are applied from primary production, packing, transport and distribution to the commercial centers of the harvested products of the field. Implementing this type of Agrifood Health and Safety Programs in the Production Units of the fruit and vegetables sector should have a positive impact on the social and economic aspect for the Country, since they are an important source of employment and generate great economic value throughout the production chain.