USDA GMP Checklist – Agriculture Department

Here’s an example of a USDA GMP Checklist for the Agriculture Department that can be used in eAuditor Audits & Inspections.

Key Sections of the GMP Checklist:

1. General Information

   • Facility Name
   • Location
   • Audit Date
   • Auditor Name
   • Audit Scope (processing, handling, packaging, etc.)

2. Personnel Practices and Hygiene

   • Are employees trained in food safety and GMPs?
   • Is personal hygiene policy followed (e.g., clean clothing, hair nets, gloves)?
   • Are hand-washing stations available and accessible?
   • Are employees aware of cross-contamination risks?

3. Facility Cleanliness and Sanitation

   • Are facilities clean and well-maintained?
   • Are cleaning schedules followed for processing areas, equipment, and storage?
   • Has proper cleaning and sanitation records been maintained?
   • Are cleaning chemicals stored and used appropriately?

4. Pest Control

   • Is there a pest control program in place?
   • Are traps and monitoring systems properly maintained?
   • Are records kept for pest control inspections and treatments?

5. Storage and Handling of Agricultural Products

   • Are products stored at the correct temperature and humidity?
   • Are storage areas clean, dry, and free from contaminants?
   • Has perishable items properly been labeled and rotated (first in, first out)?
   • Are raw materials stored separately from finished goods?

6. Equipment Maintenance and Sanitation

   • Is equipment regularly cleaned and sanitized?
   • Are maintenance logs kept for all equipment?
   • Are food contact surfaces made of approved materials (e.g., stainless steel)?
   • Is equipment inspected for wear and tear, damage, or contamination risks?

7. Water Quality and Usage

   • Is the water supply regularly tested for quality (e.g., potable water used for cleaning)?
   • Is there a backflow prevention system in place?
   • Are water sources protected from contamination?

8. Waste Management

   • Are waste and recyclables properly segregated and stored?
   • Are waste disposal areas clean and organized?
   • Have waste containers been properly labeled and regularly emptied?

9. Chemical Handling and Storage

   • Are chemicals used for cleaning and sanitizing properly labeled and stored?
   • Is Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) available for all chemicals?
   • Are employees trained in safe handling and disposal of chemicals?

10. Product Traceability and Recall

    • Is there a system in place to trace products from origin to distribution?
    • Are recall procedures documented and tested regularly?
    • Are batch numbers, lot codes, or other identifiers used?

11. Allergen Control

    • Is there a program in place to prevent cross-contamination with allergens?
    • Are allergenic ingredients stored separately?
    • Are allergen control procedures in place during processing and packaging?

12. Labeling and Packaging

    • Are packaging materials appropriate for the products?
    • Is packaging free from contamination?
    • Are labels accurate and compliant with USDA requirements (e.g., ingredients, allergens, lot codes)?

13. Transportation Practices

    • Are vehicles used for transporting agricultural products clean and suitable?
    • Has transportation conditions (temperature, humidity) monitored?
    • Are loading and unloading procedures documented?

14. Record Keeping and Documentation

    • Are all records maintained according to USDA regulations (e.g., employee training, sanitation logs, inspections)?
    • Are records easily accessible for review during audits?
    • Have corrective actions been documented and verified?

15. Audit Summary

    • Summary of non-conformances identified
    • Corrective action plan
    • Date for follow-up inspection
    • Auditor’s final remarks and recommendations

How to Implement the GMP Checklist in eAuditor Audits & Inspections:

1. Create a Template: In eAuditor Audits & Inspections, build a custom checklist template based on the USDA’s GMP requirements for your facility.

2. Customize Fields: Modify the template as needed to match your facility’s specific processes and operations.

3. Use the Checklist for Audits: Conduct audits in real-time, inputting responses directly into eAuditor Audits & Inspections. You can also upload photos, add comments, and flag issues for follow-up.

4. Automate Reports: eAuditor Audits & Inspections will generate detailed reports, which you can share with management and USDA inspectors.

5. Track Corrective Actions: Use eAuditor Audits & Inspections’ issue tracking feature to monitor the status of non-conformances and corrective actions.

By using eAuditor Audits & Inspections, the GMP Checklist for the Agriculture Department can be automated, providing a consistent and thorough inspection process to comply with USDA regulations and ensure food safety.