USDA audits raise consumer confidence
To help farms and businesses verify their food safety processes, the US Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) offers voluntary, audit based programs for operations throughout the produce supply chain. The largest of these is the Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices (GAP/GHP) audit verification program.
Food safety programs at the farm level are covered by GAP auditing and certification, while GHP concentrates on packing facilities, storage facilities and wholesale distribution centres.
It is increasingly becoming a requirement for growers to undergo audits demonstrating the quality of their produce before being permitted to sell into the food chain. Having GAP and GHP accreditation helps to develop good standing and reputation by displaying to consumers that steps have been taken to ensure that produce is safe for consumption.
“Consumers expect that the produce they consume is safe to eat. That process starts in the fields and groves no matter what country the product is produced,” said Ross Wileman from Mission Produce, Inc. “It starts with good agricultural practices, good manufacturing processes and verifies performance through third party certified audits. Food safety is only as good as the weakest link in the chain and it is our responsibility to insure the consumer that we have taken all the steps necessary to deliver on that trust.”
As the science and practices surrounding food safety in the produce industry shift, adopting a comprehensive plan will be a key to long-term success.
Source: blogs.usda.gov
