Food Safety on the Farm with Good Agricultural Practices

1. Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Diane T. Ducharme Area Specialized Agent Henderson, Haywood, and Buncombe County (828) 697-4891

7. http://www.foodsafety.gov/~dms/prodguid.html#preface October, 1998

10. Preventing microbial contamination of fresh produce is favored over relying on corrective action once contamination occurs. GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE #1

11. GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE #2 To minimize microbial food safety hazards in fresh produce, growers, packers or shippers should use good agricultural or management practices in those areas over which they have control.

12. GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE #3 Fresh produce can become microbiologically contaminated at any point along the farm-to-table food chain. The major source of microbial contamination with fresh produce is associated with human or animal feces. (proximity)

13. Whenever water comes in contact with produce, water quality dictates the potential for produce contamination. Minimize the potential for microbial contamination from water used with fresh fruits and vegetables. GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE #4

14. Water Quality Irrigation Washing Cooling Icing Water is critical to all phases of produce handling! Cooling Courtesy of William C. Hurst, UGA

16. Practices using animal manure or municipal biosolid wastes should be managed closely to minimize the potential for microbial contamination for fresh produce. (120 days) GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE #5

17. Worker hygiene and sanitation practices during production, harvesting, sorting,packing and transport play a critical role in minimizing the potential for microbial contamination of fresh produce. GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE #6

21. Black light and Glowgerm is used to show incidence of bacteria

22. Field & Packing Shed Sanitation Sanitation is about attention to details. Employees Equipment Harvesting bins Transport Courtesy of William C. Hurst, UGA

23. Keep Grading Equipment Clean

24. Reduce chances of contamination from birds and other pests

25. Follow all applicable local, state, and Federal laws and regulations , or corresponding or similar laws, regulations, or standards for operators outside the U.S. for agricultural practices. GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE #7

27. Workers document training

28. Signs posted and check list posted for restroom facilities

32. Keep Our Produce Safe Any Questions?