Subcontractor Compliance with IFA4 CPCCs

Subcontractors (e.g. employed for the application of plant protection products, harvest activities, etc.) are required to comply with all control points applicable to their service. An assessment – based on the respective checklist – must be carried out by either the producer or by the subcontractor. Producers are expected to verify and sign this assessment and are required to acknowledge full responsibility for all the activities performed by the subcontractor. Subcontractors must accept that the certification body is permitted to verify compliance with the applicable control points through an inspection. (AF 4.1)

Subcontractors assessed by a GLOBALG.A.P. approved certification body shall provide producers with a report stating the following information:

Date of the assessment
Name of the certification body
Name of the inspector
Name and contact details of the subcontractor
Activities performed by the subcontractor
Report on the compliance of the subcontractor with the relevant control points

Question (QQAF042)

A producer uses a subcontractor to harvest his produce. When the CB inspector requests to see evidence that the subcontractor complies with all the relevant GLOBALG.A.P. control points, the producer replies that he pays the subcontractor to perform the task for him, and that he has a contract with the subcontractor stating that all food safety aspects in general are being met. Should the inspector accept this?

Correct!

Incorrect!

Subcontractors (or the producer) must carry out an assessment against the relevant GLOBALG.A.P. control points to make sure the subcontractor complies with all the relevant control points. The producer remains responsible for the produce and it is his responsibility to monitor the applicable tasks to ensure the sub-contractor is complying. Evidence of compliance with the applicable control points must be available on the farm.