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 These are common sense and science based standards developed by universities and the Food and Drug Administration. Typical resources for this information can be obtained by using the internet by accessing university and government links associated with food safety.

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 saftey –vs- food security Food Defense Protocols Utilized Throughout The Food Chain

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

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

Overview Of 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 What happens if non-conformities are found. 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 ! Good & Bad Use as marketing tool

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 With exception of the “General” it is up to the auditee what scopes will be audited Scopes selected must coincide with specific activities to that scope. I.e. Farm Review during growing season. Field Harvest / Field Pack during harvest, etc. 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) If question is answered “Yes” by auditor, the applicant receives total points available. If question is answered “No” by auditor, the applicant receives no points. If question is answered “N/A”, designated points for that specific question are deducted from total points available then 80% passing score is based on remaining total points available. 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 Web site posting and certification.

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