SAFETY STANDARDS

The California Cantaloupe Advisory Board (CCAB) requires that all cantaloupe growers, packing operations, and cooling facilities in the state undergo mandatory government food safety audits. These announced and unannounced audits are conducted using a set of food safety standards that were developed based upon 20 years of university research along with input from government, food safety and farming experts. The food safety systems put in place under the CCAB allow for these science-based standards to be updated as new information or science becomes available.

The California cantaloupe food safety standards cover these key areas:

The California Cantaloupe Safety Standards

General Requirements

All cantaloupe handlers are required to have a complete food safety compliance and implementation plan signed by senior management. This plan includes a systematic risk-based hazard analysis of all operations from farm to shipment. A written trace back program is also required.

Environmental Assessments

Pre-season and pre-harvest assessments are required to make sure conditions that can affect food safety, such as animal intrusions, flooding, proximity to animal feeding operations, etc. are not present, or have been properly mitigated.

Water Use

A written procedure for water testing, sampling frequency, collection methods, etc. is required along with records cataloguing all irrigation water systems used. In packing facilities, any water used directly on cantaloupes or food contact surfaces must meet EPA microbial standards for drinking water. Water management plans must include preventative controls, testing and monitoring provisions and verification procedures.

Soil Amendments

Certification and documentation for soil amendments, including compost and fertilizers, are required by the program.

Worker Safety, Hygiene and Training

Audits verify that all operations are in compliance with the program’s requirements in the areas of worker practices, hygiene, safety, field sanitation and employee training provisions. Click here for the complete list of the California cantaloupe food safety standards.

Click here for the complete list of the California cantaloupe food safety standards. >>

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SAFETY STANDARDS

The California Cantaloupe Safety Standards

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