Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) & Good Handling Practices (GHP)

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) are voluntary audits that verify that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled, and stored as safely as possible to minimize risks of microbial food safety hazards. GAP & GHP 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 2015, The USDA Audit Program performed audits in 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada, covering over 90 commodities.

GAP & GHP Audit Services Include:

How to Request a GAP & GHP 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 FV-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 an Agreement for Participation in Audit Services form FV-651 and submit it to your auditor or to the contact below, via email or fax.

Contact Information

Telephone: (202) 720-5021
Fax: (202) 260-8927
Email: fvaudits@ams.usda.gov

Find a USDA Gap-Certified Company:

Additional Resources