Good Agricultural Practices And Good Handling Practices Audit

Good Agricultural Practices And Good Handling Practices Audit Verification Program (GAP/GHP)

What Is GAP/GHP? Agricultural Industry’s (Producers and Handlers) Use Of Best Practices To Minimize Microbial Contamination Of Fresh Fruits And Vegetables

COMMUNICATION • Producer and/or handler communication with buyer is essential • Buyer typically determines acceptable audit (i. e. Global GAP, GFSI, USDA Audit Verification Program, Harmonized, etc. ) • Communication can lead to audit alternatives

GAP/GHP – 3 Major Components • Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) – Which Examines Farm Practices • Good Handling Practices (GHP) – Which Concentrates On Packaging Facilities, Storage Facilities, And Wholesale Distribution Centers. • Food Defense Protocols Utilized Throughout The Food Chain

What Is A Fresh Produce Audit Verification Program? 3 RD Party Verification Where Specific Agricultural Best Practices Are Being Utilized

Who Provides 3 RD Party Verification Audits • For Profit Contractors • Government USDA/State Department Of Agriculture (Colorado Dept. Of Ag)

Overview Of USDA – GAP/GHP Audit Verification Program USDA GAP/GHP Audit Verification Program Is A Voluntary Audit Based Program Which Verifies Adherence To Recommendations Made By The Food And Drug Administration. • Audit Is Performed Only By Request Of The Audittee • Valid For One (1) Year – Contingent upon passing prescribed unannounced audit(s)

Overview Of USDA – GAP/GHP Audit Verification Program (Cont. ) • Participants Who Meet The Requirements Of The Program Receive A Certificate And Are Listed On A USDA Website • Prior To Start Of The Audit The Applicant Must Agree To And Sign An “Agreement To Participate” Document

Overview Of USDA - GAP/GHP Audit Verification Program (Cont. ) • Unannounced Visits Consist Of • Brief Visit With Contact Person • Walk Through Of The Farm/Packing Operation • Review Of Any Changes To The SOP Or Verification Of Proper Training For Any Newly Hired Employees

USDA’s GAP/GHP Audit Verification Program Is Intended For Continual, Consistent Use !

Scopes Available To Be Audited • General All Audits Must Begin With And Pass This Portion • PART 1 – Farm Review • PART 2 – Field Harvest And Field Packaging Activities • PART 3 – House Packing Facility • PART 4 – Storage And Transportation

Scopes Available To Be Audited (Cont. ) • PART 5 – (Vacant) • PART 6 – Wholesale Distribution Centers/ Terminal Warehouse • PART 7 – Preventive Food Defense Procedures

Scope Overview Audit Processes And Scoring • Each Scope Contains Series Of Questions • Each Question Has An Assigned Point Value • Auditor Answers Are Yes, No, Or N/A (Not Applicable) • Each Audit Section (Scope) Requires 80% Of The Total Points Available To Achieve A Passing Score For The Section

Audit Results Reporting Results Of The Audit • Interview With Contact Person • Detailed Copy Of Audit Checklist To Applicant With Final Score

Helpful Links • http: //www. gaps. cornell. edu • http: //www. fda. gov/ • http: //www. ams. usda. gov/gapghp • http: // onfarmfoodsafety. org