Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)
Voluntary guidance for producers to help prevent food contamination from pathogens, chemicals and physical hazards. Created through the joint efforts of US Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the US Secretary of Agriculture and in collaboration with agricultural producers.
- Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards of Fresh-cut Fruits and Vegetables
- National GAPs Website
- National GAPs Web Links
Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
Signed into law by President Obama on January 4, 2011, it is the first ever mandatory federal standard for growing, harvesting, packing and holding fresh produce. FSMA created the Produce Safety Rule, which went into effect for growers on January 26, 2016.
FSMA Produce Safety Rule - Does your farm need to comply?
Covered Produce |
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Are you growing covered produce?
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Does not include:
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Farm Exemptions |
Farms with sales of produce less than $25,00o (adjusted for inflation) during the previous 3-year period or less are not covered by the FSMA regulation. OR Farms may be eligible for a qualified exemption and associated modified requirements if they meet the following two requirements.
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More information on FSMA and Produce Safety Alliance Grower Trainings.
- Produce Safety Alliance, Cornell University
- North Central Regional (NCR) Center for FSMA Training, Extension and Technical Assistance, led by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- NCR FSMA Regional University Partners
Contact the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
You may contact FDA about FSMA by submitting an inquiry form.
This modified form is designed to facilitate questions that are specific to FSMA and its implementation. Your use of the form will provide the FSMA Technical Assistance Network with the information needed to give accurate and timely responses and to improve our customer service. We hope you find our online form useful in identifying the specific nature of your inquiry and we remain open to suggestions about improving the form to meet your needs.
You may also mail your question to the address below:
Food and Drug Administration
5100 Paint Branch Pkwy
Wiley Building, HFS-009
Attn: FSMA Outreach
College Park, MD 20740