USDA Harmonized GAP Audit Program
USDA incorporated the two Produce GAPs Harmonized Food Safety Standards for specialty crops into its USDA Harmonized GAP audit program in 2011. The standard used for USDA Harmonized GAP audits is the “Combined Harmonized Food Safety Standard.” The official version of this standard is on the International Fresh Produce Association's Harmonization Initiative website.
Program News
- AMS has updated the Harmonized GAP and Harmonized GAP Plus+ audit standards. These updates become effective May 1, 2024. Summary of Changes to the Harmonized Standard (pdf)
- The Combined Harmonized GAP Checklist version 6.1 is available for use. The updates to this new version include formula changes on the summary page for correct tabulation and a note on the CAR with instructions.
- Webinar on the updates to the USDA Harmonized GAP and GAP Plus+ audit standards
Harmonized GAP Standards and Checklists
The USDA Harmonized GAP standard and checklist were established May 1, 2024 to meet Version 3.0 of the standard maintained by the International Fresh Produce Association’s GAPs Harmonization Initiative.
- Harmonized GAP Standard (V. 3.0) (pdf)
- Harmonized GAP Combined Checklist (V. 6.1) (xlsx)
- Harmonized GAP Combined Checklist (V. 6.1) (pdf)
- Summary of Changes to the Harmonized Standard (pdf)
The USDA Harmonized GAP Plus+ standard align with the 2020 Global Food Safety Initiative’s (GFSI) technical equivalency benchmarking requirements for government entities. The standard and checklist were established May 1, 2024 to meet Version 3.0 of the standard maintained by the International Fresh Produce Association’s GAPs Harmonization Initiative.
- Harmonized GAP Plus+ Standard (V. 5.0) (pdf)
- Harmonized GAP Plus+ Combined Checklist (V. 6.1) (xlsx)
- Harmonized GAP Plus+ Combined Checklist (V. 6.1) (pdf)
- Summary of Changes to the Harmonized GAP Plus+ Standard (pdf)
Program Resources
- USDA Press Release
- Harmonized GAP Program Manual (pdf)
- Frequently Asked Questions on H-GAP and Produce Safety Rule Alignment (pdf)
- USDA Harmonized GAP Plus+ Audit Service Questions & Answers
- GAP Audit Program Scope (pdf)
- GAP Audit Billing Policy (pdf)
- GAP Audit Uploads
- GAP Program Logo
Additional Resources
- Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Resources
- FDA Site - Guidance for Fresh Produce
- FSMA Produce Safety Rule Fact Sheet
- Produce Safety Alliance
- On-Farm Food Safety Project
- A Farmer’s Handbook to the USDA Harmonized GAP (Carolina Farm Stewardship Association)
Contact Information
For additional information, please contact:
- Telephone: (202) 720-5021
- Fax: (866) 230-9168
- Email: SCAudits@usda.gov