GAP Traceability & Record Keeping Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of a traceability system in a GAP-certified farm operation?

Answer: To track produce from field to point of sale so contaminated product can be rapidly identified and recalled

Traceability systems enable rapid identification and removal of potentially contaminated product, protecting public health and limiting recall scope.

Under US GAP audits, how long are farms typically required to retain production and food-safety records?

Answer: At least 2 years

USDA GAP audits generally require at least two years of records to allow review of prior growing seasons during audits or investigations.

Which of the following is a required element of a GAP lot identification system?

Answer: A unique identifier linking the lot to its field, harvest date, and handler

Lot IDs must trace produce back to the specific field, harvest date, and worker or crew to enable effective trace-back during a food safety event.

A GAP-certified operation receives a recall notice for a batch of produce. What is the first action the traceability system must support?

Answer: Identifying all product from the implicated lot and its current location in the supply chain

The traceability system must first identify affected lots and locate them throughout the distribution chain so removal can begin promptly.

Which record would best demonstrate that a GAP farm's cooling equipment was functioning properly at the time of harvest?

Answer: Temperature logs from cooling or cold-storage units showing time-stamped readings

Time-stamped temperature logs from cold-storage equipment provide objective evidence that produce was maintained at safe temperatures.

Under GAP traceability requirements, what information must appear on a produce shipping container label?

Answer: Farm name or identifier, lot number, product name, and harvest or pack date

Container labels must carry sufficient information to trace the product back to its origin and connect it to production records.