Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) audits are voluntary audits that verify that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled, and stored to minimize risks of microbial food safety hazards. GAP audits verify adherence to the recommendations made in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (pdf) and industry recognized food safety practices. In 2021, USDA performed GAP audits in 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada, covering over 90 commodities.
GAP Program Updates
- New USDA GAP Water FAQs
- Aquaponics Pilot moved to permanent policy
- Assistance to 16 states extended through 2022
GAP Audit Services Include:
- Produce GAPs Harmonized Audit
- USDA GAP&GHP Audit
- GroupGAP
- Tomato Food Safety Audit Protocol
- Mushroom GAP
- California LGMA
- Arizona LGMA
USDA GAP Program Resources
How to Request an Audit
- Determine what type of audit you need. For example, your customers may require a Harmonized GAP audit or, if you grow mushrooms, you might need a Mushroom GAP (MGAP) audit. (see list above)
- Complete the Request for Audit Service Form SC-237A
- Next select the office closest to the facility that needs to be audited, from the list of Local Specialty Crops Inspection Division audit offices. For non-domestic audits, please contact the national office using the information below, under “Contact Information
- Email or fax your completed Audit Request Form to the office that you selected.
- The office will contact you and confirm the receipt of your request, give you more information about the program procedures, and schedule your audit.
- Complete the SC-430 Vendor Form and submit according to the form completion instructions
- Complete an Agreement for Participation in Audit Services form SC-651 and submit it to your auditor or to the contact below, via email or fax.
- Telephone: (202) 720-5021
- Fax: (866) 230-9168
- Email: SCAudits@usda.gov
Find a USDA GAP-Certified Company:
Additional Resources
- GAP Audit Program Scope (pdf)
- Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Resources
- FDA Site - Guidance for Fresh Produce
- FSMA Produce Safety Rule Fact Sheet
- Produce Safety Alliance
- On-Farm Food Safety Project
- Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance
- A Farmer’s Handbook to the USDA Harmonized GAP (Carolina Farm Stewardship Association) - This resource was funded through a cooperative agreement between AMS, The Ohio State University and Carolina Farm Stewardship Association and it is housed on CFSA’s website.