Good Agricultural Practices And Good Handling Practices Audit Verification Program

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

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 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 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 • 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 !

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 • PART 7 – Preventive Food Defense Procedures

13. Scope OverviewAudit 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

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

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