Harmonized GAP Videos

The Plant Science Food Safety Group has upload a series of video about Harmonized GAP certification on their YouTube channel found here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGIApo2366cds7uWGr6v2Bg

The first video Introduction to HGAP Audits, will  compares MDA GAP to the Harmonized GAP standard. It gives insights on which of the standards are most frequently missed during an audit and the fees associated with an HGAP audit.

The second recording is on writing a risk assessment for harmonized GAP.  The harmonized GAP standard may require as many as seven risk assessments, depending on the farm practices including: land use history and adjacent land use, water systems, animal activity, soil amendments, pre-harvest, allergens, and produce washing. These assessments begin by identifying the hazards, including the actions taken to prevent the hazards and the monitoring of those actions. Written risk assessments must be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in the farm practices or land use.
The new Harmonized GAP standards and checklist can be found here: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/auditing/gap-ghp/harmonized. As there are many changes in the 2021 standard, farms operating under an existing HGAP plan will need to upgrade their plans before their audit this year. The new standards take effect on May 1st, 2021

Food Safety Updates for Maryland Farmers – 11/17/2020

Farm Food Safety Plan
If you have not written a food safety plan for your farm, now is a good time to do so. This Friday, November 20th, the Maryland Food Safety Network is presenting a webinar going into the details of writing a plan. Register with Eventbrite here.

All past webinars are recorded and available to watch on the Maryland Food Safety Network Platforms including Plant Science Food Safety GroupUMD Agriculture Law Education Initiative Food Safety page, and UMD Extension Food Safety Webpage.

 

Virtual Basic GAP training classes!

Virtual Basic GAP training will take place over two half day sessions:

  • (pt. I) Thursday December 3rd | (pt. II) Friday December 4th 8:15 am – 12:00 pm
  • (pt. I) Monday February 15th | (pt. II) Tuesday February 16th 8:15 am – 12:00 pm

More information and to Register for the event here.

 

Need FSMA Produce Safety Rule training?
Register for a virtual session of FSMA Produce Safety Rule training to be held on January 19th & 20th, 11:30 am – 5:00 pm. More information and to Register for the event here.

Advanced GAP Classes Coming Up!
The Plant Science Food Safety Group is planning on offering a series of one hour long, advanced GAP topics in February and March 2021. We need to hear from you as to which time of day would be the best. Click on cocktail, lunch, or morning to record your preference.
a. Cocktail hour, 5 – 6 or 6 – 7pm Cocktail
b. I’m sharpest at lunch time, 11 – noon or noon – 1 pm Lunch
c. With my morning oatmeal, 6:30 – 7:30 or 7 – 8 am Morning

We will take your feedback, then set up times, and invite engaging speakers to discuss food safety topics! Stay tuned! Got feedback questions or comments? Contact Carol Allen, 240-994-5043, callen12@umd.edu.