The California Cantaloupe Advisory Board (CCAB) represents the highest level of commitment to safety and quality for all cantaloupe consumers. California cantaloupes are produced under the only mandatory food safety program in the U.S. produce industry that invites government auditors to inspect all aspects of cantaloupe production operations. These audits are based on 20 years of University research with input from government and food safety experts.

The CCAB food safety program relies on United States Department of Food and Agriculture trained auditors employed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) instead of privately contracted auditors. This ensures accountability, uniformity and consistency across the industry.

Government auditors verify that food safety practices are being followed throughout a handler’s operations, including growing, harvesting, packing and cooling. The inspections include announced and unannounced audits. California cantaloupe producers are required to be in compliance with all food safety checkpoints that make up the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board audit. You can review all of the safety checkpoints here.