Transitioning to Harmonized HGAP Standard Protocol.
USDA makes changes to HGAP audit... again.The USDA Harmonized GAP audits were totally changed in May, 2018. We saw the changes to HGAP Standard and HGAP+ protocols. This material was edited again through February, 2021 with additional changes. This new audit protocol takes effect on May 1, 2021. This website does not go into the HGAP+ audit materials although all of the HGAP Standard questions are a part of the upper level audit that includes more questions to satisfy those largest buyers who require exported products. If you (growers, post harvest) need the upper level audit, then you probably already have a full time food safety specialsit who can handle the additional time and effort to write the higher level audit responses and implement the needed requirements for exporting product.
I am sharing the updated HGAP Standard audit template for those who have participated in our food safety trainings during the past 14 years and are familiar with the system. You will find an updated template plus additional information to complete the extra audit questions that this new update includes. Remember that these are suggested responses and will help you provide your own audit responses. NOTE TO GROWERS
Please be aware that even though there are not specific questions related in this newest update, you should establish and maintain a rodent control program. Also, make sure that chemical storage is properly taken care of. If you need additional information, there are SOPs and signage available in other locations on this website. |
HGAP Standard Template
Supplemental Audit MaterialsG 2.3 Approved Supplier Program This was not required in previous Field Operationgs and Harvesting but is included in the new update.
Your response might be "We maintain an Approved Supplier List of all incoming materials and services." You will need the following supporting documents: 
DOC 4.47 is the sheet protector in Section 4 for Returned Supplier Questionaires
G 8.2 Non Conforming Products This question was added under the new update.
Your response might be "We conduct a quality control product release (QCPR) program that covers the product from the field, to the packinghouse/cooler and transport. We have a method in place to segregate any finished product that does not meet our criteria for quality and food safety. All products are confirmed as compliant before release to the market." You will need the following supporting documents:
G 12.2 Emergency Response Plan This question was added under the new update.
Your response might be "We have an emergency response plan in place. It is reviewed and updated annually. If there is an occasion for an incident, it is reported on corrective action report (DOC 3.24) A copy of this plan (DOC 4.21)is posted at the packinghouse bulletin board." You will need the following supporting documents:
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
