Produce Safety Rule (FSMA) Compliance Checklist

Complete this Produce Safety Rule compliance checklist regularly during growing and harvesting seasons. FSMA 21 CFR 112 establishes science-based standards for growing, harvesting, and packing produce.

  • Industry: Food & Beverage
  • Frequency: Weekly during operations
  • Estimated Time: 30-40 minutes
  • Role: Farm Manager / Food Safety Coordinator
  • Total Items: 44
  • Compliance: FDA FSMA 21 CFR 112, LGMA Metrics, GlobalG.A.P., Canada SFCR

Agricultural Water Quality

Water testing and treatment per FSMA 21 CFR 112 Subpart E.

  • Water source identified and documented?
  • Water testing conducted per required frequency?
  • Generic E. coli results within acceptable limits?
  • Water testing records maintained?
  • Corrective actions taken if water exceeds limits?
  • Water treatment system (if used) maintained?
  • Irrigation method documented (drip vs. overhead)?

Biological Soil Amendments of Animal Origin (BSAAO)

Composting and application intervals per FSMA.

  • Biological soil amendments of animal origin used?
  • Treatment process documented (composting method)?
  • Supplier Certificate of Analysis obtained?
  • Application-to-harvest interval documented?
  • Application avoids contact with edible portion?
  • BSAAO source and application records maintained?

Worker Health & Hygiene

Personnel practices per FSMA 21 CFR 112 Subpart D.

  • Workers trained in food safety and hygiene?
  • Training documentation maintained?
  • Illness/injury exclusion policy in place and enforced?
  • Handwashing facilities accessible in field?
  • Facilities stocked (soap, single-use towels, potable water)?
  • Toilet facilities available and maintained?
  • Adequate number of toilets for workforce?
  • No eating, drinking, or tobacco use in harvest areas?

Equipment, Tools & Buildings

Sanitation of food contact surfaces per FSMA.

  • Harvest containers clean and in good repair?
  • Food contact surfaces cleaned and sanitized?
  • Equipment prevents cross-contamination?
  • Packing shed/area clean and organized?
  • Sanitizers/chemicals used per label directions?
  • Equipment maintenance schedule followed?

Domesticated & Wild Animal Intrusion

Animal-related contamination prevention per FSMA.

  • Animal intrusion assessment conducted?
  • Evidence of animal intrusion in growing area?
  • Fencing or barriers adequate where needed?
  • Contaminated produce identified and not harvested?
  • Buffer zone established around contamination?
  • Corrective measures for animal intrusion documented?

Growing, Harvesting & Packing

Field and packing activities compliance.

  • Pre-harvest assessment completed?
  • No recent flooding in harvest area?
  • Harvest practices prevent contamination?
  • Dropped produce handled per policy?
  • Post-harvest cooling initiated timely?
  • Packaging materials clean and food-grade?

Records & Documentation

Record keeping requirements per FSMA 21 CFR 112 Subpart O.

  • Agricultural water records maintained 2 years?
  • BSAAO records maintained 2 years?
  • Training records maintained?
  • Equipment cleaning/sanitizing records maintained?
  • Corrective action records maintained?

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Why Use This Produce Safety Rule (FSMA) Compliance Checklist?

This produce safety rule (fsma) compliance checklist helps food & beverage teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for farm manager / food safety coordinator professionals, this checklist covers 44 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: weekly during operations.

Ensures compliance with FDA FSMA 21 CFR 112, LGMA Metrics, GlobalG.A.P., Canada SFCR. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Produce Safety Rule (FSMA) Compliance Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 44 inspection items across 7 sections: Agricultural Water Quality, Biological Soil Amendments of Animal Origin (BSAAO), Worker Health & Hygiene, Equipment, Tools & Buildings, Domesticated & Wild Animal Intrusion, Growing, Harvesting & Packing, Records & Documentation. It is designed for food & beverage operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed weekly during operations. Each completion takes approximately 30-40 minutes.

Who should use this Produce Safety Rule (FSMA) Compliance Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Farm Manager / Food Safety Coordinator professionals in the food & beverage industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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