Starting January 1, 2020, operations involved in production, packing or storage of microgreens will no longer be able to obtain certification through the CanadaGAP Program. CanadaGAP has determined that, given the potential risks of contamination with the production and handling of microgreens, a site-specific HACCP Plan is the best approach for managing food safety risks associated with these products.
CanadaGAP uses a generic HACCP model as the basis for the food safety requirements and procedures published in the CanadaGAP Food Safety Manual and Audit Checklist. At this time, we have determined that further research and scientific study will be needed to understand the full range of microgreens production and handling practices, the associated food safety hazards, and the most effective control measures. Going forward, as the industry expands and new methods are adopted, additional science will be required to validate that all potential hazards have been appropriately addressed in the CanadaGAP generic HACCP model. Therefore, the decision was taken to phase out this scope of CanadaGAP certification for the time being.
Companies that are currently CanadaGAP-certified for their microgreens will have their CanadaGAP certification withdrawn by the certification body effective December 31, 2019. Please be assured that other GFSI-recognized programs are available that allow microgreens producers and packers to pursue food safety certification. We encourage you to contact your certification body to find out which other programs they offer that would be appropriate to cover the scope of your activities. The certification body can help you get started in transitioning to a new program. We thank you for having chosen CanadaGAP to certify your production, and wish you continued success with your operations.
Please contact the CanadaGAP office at info@canadagap.ca or 613-829-4711 for assistance with any questions.