CanadaGAP Releases Updates to Two Food Safety Manuals

CanadaGAP has released updated versions of its Food Safety Manuals, including the Fruit and Vegetable Manual, Version 6.4 and Greenhouse Manual, Version 6.4. For certification purposes, the new manuals take effect on April 1, 2016. A corresponding update to the CanadaGAP audit checklist will be issued prior to that effective date. To facilitate the transition to the updated manuals, the following resources can be found at: http://www.canadagap.ca/manuals/manual-downloads/.

• The updated manuals (free download).
• A document outlining the main changes to the manuals.
• Revisions documents tracking the changes from previous versions of the manuals.
• A document summarizing commodity-specific differences.
• A chart outlining which sections of the manual are applicable to different types of operations (i.e., production, packing, storing, repacking, wholesaling, brokerage).

The majority of revisions to the manuals are editorial in nature (to clarify or further explain existing requirements or create consistency within the manuals), but key changes of the updates are:

• Okra is included in the scope for all operations.
• Section 2 Premises: operations will only use production sites where sewage sludge has not been applied.
• Section 6 Agricultural Chemicals: only exporters of product are responsible for Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs).
• Section 15 Water (for Fluming and Cleaning): Exemptions have been made regarding potable water for Cucumbers and Peppers sent for pickling.
• Section 17 Packaging Materials: Appropriate packaging materials must be used for repacking of mushrooms. 

CanadaGAP maintains seven separate generic HACCP models, which are available upon request. This approach ensures that any issues or scientific developments affecting only certain crop groupings, commodities or processes will continue to be addressed with the appropriate technical rigour. For questions, contact info@canadagap.ca.