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USDA just released the new Harmonized GAP Standard and Harmonized Plus+
Standard Audits. They go into effect May 1, 2024. There are several changes related to
section numbers and deleted numbers so if you have your audit plan setup by section
number check to make sure they have not changed. Also, eight questions have been
added. Following is a summary of those questions:
- G 2.4 – Approved service provider list required (the grower approves the list)
- G 7.2 – A designated recall team is required
- G 7.3 – Must perform a mock recall exercise annually
- G 11.5 – Must have labels and instructions for any water treatment chemical used
- G 11.8 – Compressed air or other gases contacting food or food contact surfaces
must be maintained - F 6.3 – Must have a procedure for storing and handling growing media (e.g., perlite,
peat, rock wool, etc.) - F 9.4 – Re-used water must be treated with a labeled product
- P 5.2 – A master cleaning schedule with standard operating procedures (SOP) must be
established
There are two documents for each audit: Harmonized GAP Standard (v 3.0) or
Harmonized GAP Plus+ standard (v 5.0). Each also have a summary of changes
document will be help finding the changes. Go to Harmonized GAP | Agricultural
Marketing Service (usda.gov) to download a copy of each standard.