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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

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

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

7. 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)

8. 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

9. 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

10. USDA’s GAP/GHP Audit Verification Program Is Intended For Continual, Consistent Use !
Good & Bad
Use as marketing tool

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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.

15. Helpful Links http://www.gaps.cornell.edu http://www.fda.gov/
onfarmfoodsafety.org