Plant Surveys

Plant surveys consist of an on-site evaluation of a food processing facility to assess the facility’s compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s).

The results of a plant survey can serve several purposes including:

  • to determine whether a food processing facility is adequate and acceptable for food production on a contract basis; 
  • to determine whether a facility qualifies for SCI Division in-plant inspection; and 
  • a source of objective information about a facility’s operations which can be of interest to plant management and/or to the firm’s trading partner(s). 

Plant surveys include assessment of the following:

  • Plant construction and design;
  • Processing area, equipment, and facilities;
  • Sanitation;
  • Warehouse and storage facilities;
  • Receiving area;
  • Premises (parking lot and yard area);
  • Water supply;
  • Waste disposal;
  • Personnel policies;
  • Laboratory facilities; and
  • Toilet facilities.

Plant surveys and related inspection services are available on a fee basis from USDA’s Specialty Crops Inspection (SCI) Division.

To apply for services or obtain additional information, contact the National Programs Mission Support at:

Telephone: (202) 720-5870
Email: SCIinspectionoperations@usda.gov  

 

Additional Resources