Washington Food Safety Fruit and Vegetable Audits Expanding Rapidly

After high-profile food-borne disease outbreaks and increasing concern among produce distributors, fresh fruit and vegetable farmers are seeking third-party verification of farm practices that reduce the risk of E.coli, listeria and other illnesses.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture is conducting a growing number of audits using USDA Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices. Through the process, WSDA's auditors verify that growers and processors are following best management practices to reduce the risk of microbial contamination of fresh produce.

More than 128,000 acres of Washington produce were audited last year, up from 10,200 in 2005.

GAP audits, conducted during the growing season only cover the growing process of fresh fruits and vegetables in the field. GHP audits, conducted year round, review the procedures used at produce warehouses and packing plants.

While the audits are voluntary, an increasing number of national wholesalers and retailers require GAP/GHP certification as they source their food products. Federal nutrition programs, including the school lunch program began requiring the audits last year, and many international buyers are looking for proof audits were conducted.

Source: Western Farmer-Stockman