USDA GAP Audit Checklist

The Good Agricultural Practices USDA GAP audit Checklist is a program designed to verify that farms are following food safety guidelines. The audit focuses on minimizing risks related to food contamination by ensuring that farms adhere to specific standards in their operations, such as worker hygiene, water quality, and use of pesticides.

1. General Section

• 1.1 Farm Review

  • Is a documented farm food safety plan in place?
  • Are farm maps, including growing areas and water sources, available and up to date?
  • Are there written policies and procedures related to food safety practices?
  • Is there a designated food safety officer or responsible person on-site?

• 1.2 Worker Health and Hygiene

  • Are worker training programs in place that include proper handwashing, hygiene, and illness reporting?
  • Is there a policy that prohibits workers from working when sick?
  • Are handwashing facilities available, properly stocked, and accessible to all workers?
  • Is restroom facility clean, well-stocked, and in proximity to the working areas?
  • Are workers using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed?

• 1.3 Water Quality

  • Is water used for irrigation, pesticide application, and produce washing tested regularly for microbial contamination?
  • Are records of water tests maintained and available for review?
  • Are backflow prevention devices installed and functional where necessary?
  • Is water quality monitored, and are corrective actions taken when needed?

2. Pre-Harvest Section

• 2.1 Field Sanitation

  • Is there a policy for field sanitation, including regular removal of trash and organic waste?
  • Are compost and manure managed properly to avoid contamination?
  • Is there a system in place to prevent animals from contaminating growing areas (e.g., fencing, deterrents)?

• 2.2 Soil Amendments

  • Are records of soil amendments (e.g., compost, manure) maintained, including sources and application methods?
  • Is there a policy for the safe application of raw manure, ensuring adequate time between application and harvest?

• 2.3 Pesticide and Fertilizer Use

  • Are pesticides and fertilizers stored in a secure and labeled area?
  • Application records maintained, including dates, amounts, and methods?
  • Are applicators trained and certified as required by law?
  • Is equipment used for application properly calibrated and maintained?

3. Harvest Section

• 3.1 Harvesting Practices

  • Are harvesting containers, tools, and equipment cleaned and sanitized regularly?
  • Is there a procedure for handling produce that comes into contact with the ground?
  • Are workers trained on proper harvesting techniques to minimize damage and contamination?
  • Are measures in place to avoid contamination from vehicles or other machinery in the field?

• 3.2 Worker Hygiene During Harvest

  • Are workers wearing clean clothes and maintaining hygiene during harvest?
  • Is handwashing and restroom facility accessible to harvest crews?
  • Are workers using gloves or other PPE as needed, and are these items maintained in a sanitary condition?

4. Post-Harvest Section

• 4.1 Packinghouse Sanitation

  • Are packinghouse facilities and equipment cleaned and sanitized on a regular schedule?
  • Is there a documented cleaning and sanitation program for packinghouses?
  • Are packing materials stored in a clean, dry area and protected from contamination?
  • Is produce moved through the packinghouse in a manner that minimizes the risk of contamination?

• 4.2 Post-Harvest Water Use

  • Is water used in post-harvest processes (washing, cooling) tested and monitored for quality?
  • Are procedures in place to prevent water from becoming a source of contamination (e.g., water treatment, filtering)?
  • Are water contact surfaces and equipment regularly cleaned and sanitized?

• 4.3 Cooling and Storage

  • Are cooling facilities (e.g., coolers, cold storage) maintained at proper temperatures?
  • Are records of temperature monitoring kept and reviewed regularly?
  • Is produce stored off the ground and away from walls to prevent contamination?
  • Are ethylene-sensitive products stored separately from ethylene-producing products?

5. Traceability and Recall

• 5.1 Traceability

  • Is there a traceability system in place that can identify product origins and the destination of shipments?
  • Are records maintained that allow for tracing back one step (to the source) and forward one step (to the customer)?
  • Is the traceability system tested periodically, and are results documented?

• 5.2 Recall Program

  • Is there a written recall plan in place?
  • Are roles and responsibilities clearly defined in the event of a recall?
  • Are recall procedures tested regularly through mock recalls?
  • Is there a system for notifying customers and authorities in case of a recall?

6. Documentation and Record Keeping

• 6.1 Record Keeping

  • Are records of all food safety practices, including worker training, water testing, pesticide use, and sanitation, maintained?
  • Are records kept in a manner that is easily accessible and organized for review?
  • Records retained for the required period (usually a minimum of 2 years)?

• 6.2 Continuous Improvement

  • Is there a system in place for reviewing and updating food safety practices?
  • Are regular internal audits conducted, and are corrective actions taken based on findings?
  • Is there documentation of continuous improvement efforts in food safety practices?

7. Final Review and Certification

• 7.1 USDA GAP Audit Review

  • Conduct a final walkthrough using the mobile app or checklist to ensure all sections have been addressed.
  • Compile all necessary documentation and evidence for the USDA GAP audit.
  • Schedule and prepare for the USDA GAP audit with a certified auditor.

• 7.2 Certification and Compliance

  • Ensure that all corrective actions from the audit are documented and implemented.
  • Maintain communication with the USDA or certifying body for any follow-up actions or updates.

eAuditor is an inspection app that can be used to digitize and streamline the USDA GAP Audit Checklist process. Here’s how you can use eAuditor for a USDA GAP Audit Checklist:

1.

Create or Import Templates

• You can create custom templates or import existing USDA GAP Audit Checklist into eAuditor. This allows for standardized and consistent audits.

2.

Conduct Inspections

• Use your mobile device to perform the audit on-site. eAuditor allows you to add notes, photos, and even assign corrective actions during the inspection.

3.

Real-Time Reporting

• After completing the audit, eAuditor automatically generates reports that can be shared instantly with relevant stakeholders. This can include management, auditors, or regulatory bodies.

4.

Track Corrective Actions

• Any issues identified during the audit can be assigned corrective actions directly within the app. This ensures that problems are addressed promptly and tracked over time.

5.

Data Analytics

• eAuditor provides insights through its analytics dashboard, helping farms track trends, compliance rates, and areas that need improvement.

6.

Cloud Storage and Integration

• All audit data is stored in the cloud, allowing for easy access and sharing. eAuditor also integrates with other tools and systems, which can help in further automating the audit process.

By using eAuditor for USDA GAP Audit Checklist , farms can increase efficiency, improve accuracy, and ensure they meet the necessary food safety standards required by the USDA.