International certification standards group GlobalGAP has announced the adoption of an updated version of its general regulations and the implementation of the new version for all areas of its Integrated Farm Assurance standard, effective 20 November.
The GlobalGAP board's approval of version 3.1 follows a 10-month review process – including two public consultations – and means it will now be introduced during a three-month transition period lasting until 28 February 2010.
During that time, either versions 3.0 or 3.1 may be used. From 1 March 2010, the latter version will be obligatory.
'The changes in the document are mainly results from the continuous improvement programme for the certification process and only a few affect producers directly,' a spokesman for GlobalGAP said.
'These include the rules for initial inspections of products and inspection of produce handling facilities, that is fruit and vegetables sub-scopes.'
A detailed summary of all changes is due to be published this week.
More details at www.globalgap.org
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