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 & Hospitality
  • 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?

Related Food Beverage Checklists

Related Food Safety Checklists

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

This produce safety rule (fsma) compliance checklist helps food & hospitality 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 is a Produce Safety Rule (FSMA) Compliance Checklist?

A Produce Safety Rule (FSMA) Compliance Checklist is a standardized inspection form used by farm manager / food safety coordinator to ensure consistent food & hospitality operations. It contains 61 inspection points organized into 7 sections. FREE PDF download: Comprehensive 55+ point FDA FSMA Produce Safety Rule checklist per 21 CFR 112. Covers agricultural water testing, biological soil amendments, worker hygiene, equipment sanitation, and domesticated/wild animal intrusion. Multi-market compliance: US FDA FSMA PSR, LGMA, Canada Safe Food for Canadians Regulations. Essential for farms, growers, and fresh produce handlers.

How often should I use this food & hospitality checklist?

This checklist is designed to be completed weekly during operations. Regular use ensures compliance with FDA FSMA 21 CFR 112 and LGMA Metrics and helps identify issues before they become problems.

Can I download this Produce Safety Rule (FSMA) Compliance Checklist as a PDF?

Yes, you can download this checklist as a FREE PDF for printing or offline use. The checklist includes 61 fields across 7 sections and typically takes 30-40 minutes to complete.

What compliance standards does this checklist cover?

This checklist helps ensure compliance with FDA FSMA 21 CFR 112, LGMA Metrics, GlobalG.A.P., Canada SFCR. Following these standards protects your organization and ensures best practices.

How do I complete this food & hospitality inspection checklist?

Begin by completing the header fields for Farm/Operation Name, Inspection Date, Inspector Name, Field/Block Inspected, and Crop Type. Work through each of the 7 sections, marking items Yes or No as applicable. Finally, complete the footer fields and add your signature. The entire process takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

What are the key sections in this food & hospitality checklist?

This food & hospitality checklist is organized into 7 key 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. Each section contains specific inspection points that farm manager / food safety coordinator must verify. The structured layout ensures nothing is missed during food & hospitality inspections and makes the process efficient, typically taking 30-40 minutes to complete.

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

This checklist is primarily designed for farm manager / food safety coordinator working in food & hospitality operations. However, it is also valuable for quality assurance teams, safety officers, compliance managers, and supervisors who need to verify that food & hospitality standards are being met. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from using this Produce Safety Rule (FSMA) Compliance Checklist to maintain consistency and accountability.

Browse More Checklists

POPProbe