Cologne, Germany / Washington, D.C., USA – GLOBALG.A.P. and United Fresh Produce Association introduce the first Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognized application of the Produce GAP Harmonized Standards. The GLOBALG.A.P. Harmonized Produce Safety Standard V1.0 (HPSS) has been successfully benchmarked by GFSI and has achieved recognition against the GFSI Guidance Document Sixth Edition, Scope BI – Farming of Plants and D1- Pre Processing Handling of Plant Products.
The HPSS is the combination of the Field Operations and Harvesting and the Post-harvest Operations Harmonized Food Safety Standards developed by the Produce GAP Harmonization Initiative technical working group, facilitated by United Fresh, and operationalized and managed by GLOBALG.A.P.
GLOBALG.A.P. has worked intensively with United Fresh on the Produce GAP Harmonization Initiative, an all-industry effort to drive harmonization of GAP standards, to reduce audit fatigue and allow operations to focus their food safety resources on achieving food safety, rather than passing audits.
Kristian Moeller, CEO of GLOBALG.A.P. commented that “GLOBALG.A.P. has a long-standing commitment to eliminating duplication of effort and achieving greater harmonization within the industry worldwide. We are proud to be the first scheme owner to make the industry’s vision of harmonization a reality in the North American marketplace for those seeking a GFSI recognized option.”
“As Secretariat for the Produce GAP Harmonized Standards, United Fresh Produce Association is thrilled that the Standards have successfully been benchmarked through the GFSI process,” said Tom Stenzel, President & CEO, United Fresh Produce Association. “We commend GLOBALG.A.P. for shepherding the Standard through this important process. ‘One audit by any credible third party, acceptable to all buyers’ was the goal of fresh produce growers and buyers alike in 2009, when the Produce GAPs Harmonization Initiative began. This goal is consistent with GFSI’s objective to ‘reduce food safety risks by delivering equivalence and convergence between effective food safety management systems’. Benchmarking against the GFSI Guidance Document 6 will increase acceptance beyond the extensive list of customers already accepting the audit.”
The Produce GAP Harmonized Standards, which are available in English and Spanish, and cover field operations & harvesting, and post harvest operations, were initially developed by a Steering Committee of over 30 major fresh produce buying companies, growers and produce trade association staff. The initiative continues to update the standards, most recently to align with forthcoming FDA requirements, and is accepting public comments on the redlined versions until November 21, 2016.
Stenzel added, “We look forward to working with GLOBALG.A.P. and others to offer training to support the implementation of this audit scheme.”
GLOBALG.A.P. extends its appreciation to Quality Certification Services (QCS) and SCS Global Services for their support in the GFSI application process. The following certification bodies are accredited to offer HPSS: CCOF Certification Services, LLC; NSF Food Safety Certification, LLC; Quality Certification Services (QCS); SCC Global Services.
About United Fresh Produce Association
Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association brings together companies across every segment of the fresh produce supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. We empower industry leaders to shape sound government policy. We deliver the resources and expertise companies need to succeed in managing complex business and technical issues. We provide the training and development individuals need to advance their careers in produce. Through these endeavors, we unite out industry with a common purpose – to build long-term value for our members and grow produce consumption. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org.
Contact:
Mary Coppola
Senior Director, Marketing Communications
United Fresh Produce Association
T: +1 202-303-3425
Email: MCoppola@unitedfresh.org
About GLOBALG.A.P.
GLOBALG.A.P. is one of the world`s leading farm assurance systems that offers a clear focus on food safety paired with other significant elements of Good Agricultural Practices, a transparent and robust integrity system equipped with an increasing flexibility to respond to market requirements, and modular and customized solutions for certification, farm assessments, and capacity building. Today, over 160,000 primary producers are under GLOBALG.A.P. Certification in 124 countries. GLOBALG.A.P. Schemes primarily focus on product safety, environmental impact and the health, safety and welfare of workers and animals. For more information, visit www.globalgap.org.
Contact:
Claudia Meifert
Public Relations
T: +49 (0) 221-57993-997
Email: meifert@globalgap.org
Source: United Fresh Produce Association
