GAP Harvesting & Post-Harvest Handling 3

Question 1

When testing irrigation or wash water used during harvest, which pathogen indicator is most commonly monitored under U.S. GAP guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Generic E. coli

Answer

Generic E. coli is used as an indicator organism for fecal contamination in agricultural water testing under FSMA and GAP guidelines.

Question 2

A packing shed is located adjacent to animal housing. Under GAP, which measure is most critical to implement?

Accepted Answer

Physical barriers and buffer zones to prevent animal intrusion and runoff contamination

Answer

Physical separation via barriers and buffers prevents animal feces and runoff from contaminating the packing environment.

Question 3

Which method of produce washing is most effective at reducing microbial load on the surface of fresh vegetables?

Accepted Answer

Chlorinated water wash with maintained free chlorine of 1–3 ppm

Answer

Chlorinated wash water maintained at proper concentration effectively reduces surface microbial populations compared to plain water alone.

Question 4

During harvest, a supervisor discovers that a portable toilet in the field has not been serviced in two weeks and is overflowing. The GAP-compliant response is to:

Accepted Answer

Halt harvesting near the unit, restrict the area, and arrange immediate servicing

Answer

GAP requires sanitary facilities to be properly maintained; an overflowing unit is a contamination hazard requiring immediate halting of adjacent operations.

Question 5

What is the recommended minimum frequency for cleaning and sanitizing food-contact surfaces in a produce packing operation under GAP?

Accepted Answer

Before each use and periodically throughout the day as needed

Answer

GAP requires food-contact surfaces to be cleaned before use and as frequently as necessary during operations to prevent pathogen buildup.

(GAP) Good Agricultural Practices Certified Practice Test

(GAP) Good Agricultural Practices Certified Practice Test

GAP Harvesting & Post-Harvest Handling 3