Fwd: freshproduce - 2 new messages in 2 topics - digest

Fresh Produce Industry Discussion Group
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Today's topics:

* (Fresh Produce) Re: USDA GAPs/GHPs - 1 messages, 1 author
 http://groups.google.com/group/freshproduce/t/7a12712a86360721?hl=en
* (Fresh Produce) Earn Over A 4000 Dollars A Week Without A Website! - 1
messages, 1 author
 http://groups.google.com/group/freshproduce/t/7faa8ece7b2e0669?hl=en

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TOPIC: (Fresh Produce) Re: USDA GAPs/GHPs
http://groups.google.com/group/freshproduce/t/7a12712a86360721?hl=en
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== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Fri, Sep 4 2009 5:23 pm
From: IPT Tom


I have accompanied USDA inspectors on GAP audits when I was a trainer
with the USDA.  I can tell you first hand there is a direct conflict
of interest with the same USDA inspector acting as an auditor and then
returning as an inspector.  The inspectors are required to wear only
one hat a time, if they are inspecting, they are told to only inspect
for quality and condition and don't look into Food Safety issues.

The conflict of interest is occurring because the inspection service,
federal-state or federal are both hurting financially, as inspection
requests are down.  If the USDA auditor does not pass a packer/grower
during a GAP audit for the school lunch program they will later lose
that revenue from the inspections that are required for the school
lunch purchases.  I am not saying they are looking the other way,
ignoring food safety problems, but they do realize their office is
counting on the inspection revenue if the audit passes.  With
inspectors losing their jobs and offices closing down, this is a real
concern for the inspector.   If nothing else, it gives the appearance
of a possible conflict of interest.......which is not healthy.

Tom Yawman
International Produce Training
www.ipt.us.com


On Sep 4, 4:37 pm, Richard VanVranken <vanvran...@aesop.rutgers.edu>
wrote:
> I'm really trying to stop responding, but can't help it.
> "A new entrenched program" at USDA?
> Actually, according to their website, USDA's Ag Marketing Service has already been 'entrenched' with theFresh Produce Audit Verification Programsince 1999. That site also indicates that the program  "in partnership with state departments of agriculture, offers a voluntary, audit based program that verifies adherence to the recommendations made in theFood and Drug Administration'sGuide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables"(which was developed as a direct result of that late 90's meeting in Orlando and is the basis for all the audit programs, public and private).
> Lastly, it does seem a bit of an overkill to require a USDA audit for school lunch program purchases as Big Apple asks, "Don't they already require regular USDA inspections on quality and condition on specific loads destined for school lunch programs?" I believe they do. Although there's a current move for some more independence and local control of school food procurement, especially with the push for local produce, school lunch produce purchases are made by the Defense Dept Procurement Division and "Food Defense protocols utilized throughout the food chain" is one of the three areas covered by this AMS program.----
>
> Richard W. VanVranken
> Agricultural Agent
> County Extension Department Head
> Cooperative Extension of Atlantic County6260 Old Harding Hwy.Mays Landing, NJ 08330-1553 
> p. 609-625-0056
> f.  609-625-3646vanvranken@njaes.rutgers.edu
> rutgers-atlantic.org
>
>