GlobalG.A.P. has published a new guide for compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
The GlogbalG.A.P. User’s Guide and Self Assessment for FSMA Produce Safety Rule Compliance supports Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) users in efficiently meeting Produce Safety Rule (Produce Rule) requirements. IFA is one of the the most widely utilized good agricultural practice scheme for fresh produce in the world.
Where differences in approach and requirements were identified, GLOBALG.A.P. developed an explanation in the form of this Guide. It includes a Self Assessment, highlighting specific differences between GlobalG.A.P. IFA coverage and the Produce Rule. The Self Assessment allows the IFA user to make the necessary adjustments to comply with the Produce Rule. The Guide provides an extra table that details exactly how IFA requirements address those in the Produce Rule.
The Self Assessment is not audited as part of the GlobalG.A.P. IFA certification process at this time by GlobalG.A.P.’s independently accredited and licensed certification bodies. Producers can receive help with the Guide and Self Assessment from GlobalG.A.P.’s USA-based and international technical support staff.
Dr. Kristian Moeller, CEO of GlobalG.A.P., expressed his gratitude to the many individuals who contributed to this Guide’s development: “At GlobalG.A.P., we are committed to an inclusive process for developing our standards and guidelines. We wish to thank the technical staff, National Technical Working Group members, producers, retailers and other stakeholders who contributed to the development of this Guide over the past year. Your contributions of time and knowledge ensure that GlobalG.A.P. reflects your needs, making IFA your standard.”
"GlobalG.A.P. has created a practical management tool for GlobalG.A.P. IFA users all over the world to help ensure FSMA Produce Rule compliance with the publication of this guidance document,” said Walter Ram, VP of Food Safety at the Giumarra Companies and Chairman of the GlobalG.A.P. USA Crops National Technical Working Group.
Mr. Ram added: “As a supplier of fresh produce from the USA and many other countries, we want to maximize the efficiency of our food safety and regulatory controls and this tool helps our growers to use GlobalG.A.P. IFA to ensure Produce Rule compliance. It addresses the unique requirements in the Produce Rule without compromising IFA’s global identity and recognition.”
