Good Agricultural Practices(GAP) for Farmers

Vegetable Harvest - Garden Lady Blog

Center for Disease Control(CDC) data shows in 2013 there were 464 illnesses, 134 hospitalizations, and 3 deaths due to pathogen outbreaks in fruits, nuts, and vegetables. (Source here.)  818 total foodborne disease outbreaks were reported.

As part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) farmers have rules to follow to minimize contamination of their product with harmful microbes. Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) should be followed by all along the food growing and handling chain. The regulations give the FDA guidelines and the power to recall harmful product.

Farm produce buyers will expect growers to follow the law.

The following 3-minute video summarizes FSMA which was passed in 2011.

GAP practices are to farming as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are to drug manufacture. Foodborne illnesses are common and the FDA has recently recalled cucumbers for Salmonella, macadamia nuts for Salmonella, spinach for Listeria, mushrooms for Listeria, and soybean sprouts for Listeria.

When exposed to pathogens, people with compromised immune systems, the elderly, and the young are especially prone to serious illness. Written standards like GAP provide necessary guidelines to prevent foodborne disease outbreaks.

The FDA twitter page lists recalls here.

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