What are GAPS in the context of food safety?

In the context of food safety, GAPS refers to Good Agricultural Practices. These practices are essential for ensuring the safety and quality of food at the production level. Good Agricultural Practices encompass a wide range of practices related to the growing, harvesting, and handling of food crops. They are designed to minimize the risk of food contamination by focusing on aspects like proper sanitation, the safe use of pesticides, the management of water quality, and the education of farm workers about hygiene and food safety.

Implementing Good Agricultural Practices helps to ensure that fruits and vegetables are produced in a way that reduces risks to consumers, thus contributing to public health safety. These guidelines encourage farmers to adopt safe production practices, which are vital for preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring the overall integrity of the food supply chain.