Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
of guarantee, and supplier certifi cation programs and also required independent third-
party audits of farms and packinghouses to assure that GAPs were being implemented
(Institute of Food Technologists 2001; International Fresh-Cut Produce Association
2001; National Research Council 2003; Bihn and Gravani 2006). This concept of
produce supplier quality and safety assurance was widely adopted (with variations)
by food retailers throughout the U.S. These produce-buying arrangements are still in
effect today and many retailers are not only requiring large produce suppliers to
comply with them, but are also requiring implementation of GAPs and third-party
audits of small, local produce growers. The role of third-party farm and packinghouse
audits in produce safety is discussed in chapter 17.
Components of GAPs
The concept of GAPs and their importance in produce safety can be visualized in
Figure 5.4, through the Produce Safety Assurance Pyramid (Gravani 2006).
The pyramid consists of four main components (Bihn and Gravani 2006). At the
peak of the pyramid, produce safety depends on the total commitment and leadership
of top management in the farm operation. Management must believe in and promote
the importance of food safety in their business and provide the necessary resources
(fi nances, personnel, training, equipment, etc.) to achieve this goal. Without a
total commitment from upper management, food safety will never become a top
priority for employees in the company. Many companies in the food system have
built a culture of food safety and foster it among all employees throughout their
organizations.
Produce Safety Assurance Pyramid
To t a l
Management
Commitment
Produce
Safety
Assurance
Biological
Hazards
Education
and Training
Good Agricultural Practices
Microbial
Water Quality
Manure Use
& Composting
Worker Health
& Hygiene
Cleaning &
Sanitation
Animal & Pest
Management
Recall &
Traceback
Crisis
Management
Farm
Biosecurity
© Robert B. Gravanl
Figure 5.4.
Produce safety assurance pyramid.
