Sep 1, 2016

New Produce GAP Harmonized Standards introduced

GLOBALG.A.P. and United Fresh Produce Association introduce the first Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognized application of the Produce GAP Harmonized Standards. The GLOBALG.A.P. Harmonized Produce Safety Standard V1.0 (HPSS) has been successfully benchmarked by GFSI and has achieved recognition against the GFSI Guidance Document Sixth Edition, Scope BI – Farming of Plants and D1- Pre Processing Handling of Plant Products.

The HPSS is the combination of the Field Operations and Harvesting and the Post-harvest Operations Harmonized Food Safety Standards developed by the Produce GAP Harmonization Initiative technical working group, facilitated by United Fresh, and operationalized and managed by GLOBALG.A.P.

GLOBALG.A.P. has worked intensively with United Fresh on the Produce GAP Harmonization Initiative, an all-industry effort to drive harmonization of GAP standards, to reduce audit fatigue and allow operations to focus their food safety resources on achieving food safety, rather than passing audits.

The Produce GAP Harmonized Standards, which are available in English and Spanish, and cover field operations & harvesting, and post harvest operations, were initially developed by a Steering Committee of over 30 major fresh produce buying companies, growers and produce trade association staff. The initiative continues to update the standards, most recently to align with forthcoming FDA requirements, and is accepting public comments on the redlined versions until Nov. 21, 2016.

The following certification bodies are accredited to offer HPSS: CCOF Certification Services; NSF Food Safety Certification; Quality Certification Services; SCC Global Services.