Useful Contacts
(If you would like your QAP listed here, contact us.)
Quality Assurance Programs
Buyers of products from Quality Assurance Programs (QAPs) have confidence they are getting food produced under the safest systems. Producers benefit from QAPs because their buyers recognize the benefits. However, the economic benefits to the producer go beyond buyer perceptions. Producers can gain from the expertise of other producers, processors, academia, allied industries, and government. Additionally, QAPs provide a system of accountability for producers and processors alike.
What is a QAP?
California QAPs are industry-led programs and are a mechanism to
educate producers and processors about scientifically based practices
designed to reduce microbial contamination. Members are expected to
implement safe practices in their operations. The QAP establishes a
protocol of standards under which their product was produced.
Participation in QAPs shows that the industry is proactive about
keeping food safe.
What are the benefits?
A successful QAP allows program members to audit their entire
program, build safety protocols into the process, consolidate record
keeping, and verify practices that reduce risk and increase quality,
which can protect producers from potential legal and economic
problems.
What are the basic features of a QAP?
Research
Education
Hazard Reduction Strategies (HACCP, GAPs, GMPs)
Verification
Product Traceability
Funding
How do I set up a QAP?
Successful QAPs are driven by industry leaders. First, contact other
producers and processors to determine if there is interest in
establishing a program. Once producers and processors are interested,
contact key industry leaders, extension agents, other appropriate
experts, and university researchers who can assist your industry, and
the appropriate regulatory agencies, including CDFA. Focus groups or
committees may be needed to determine what the important issues are
for a particular commodity.
Contact us for more information:
California Department of Food and Agriculture
Animal Health and Food Safety Services, Animal Health Branch
1220 N Street, Room A-107
Sacramento, California 95814
Telephone: (916) 654-1447
Fax: (916) 653-2215
or send an email to: ahbfeedback@cdfa.ca.gov