What defects may indicate that fresh fruits and vegetables are unsatisfactory?

Fresh fruits and vegetables should be evaluated for certain defects that can indicate they are unsatisfactory for consumption. Mold and rot are clear signs that produce has begun to deteriorate and is no longer safe to eat. Mold can develop when fruits and vegetables are improperly stored or have been damaged, leading to rot, which further degrades quality and can produce unpleasant odors and flavors.

While factors such as color, size, ripeness, shape, and overall appearance are important in assessing produce quality, they do not directly indicate spoilage. For instance, fruits and vegetables can be a variety of colors and sizes while still being fresh. Similarly, ripeness can vary based on the type of produce and there are acceptable shapes that differ within species. Freshness and appearance are also more subjective qualities that do not necessarily point to active spoilage, unlike the presence of mold and rot which are definitive issues that mark produce as unsatisfactory for consumption.