Food Safety & Certifications

Gurda Produce Certifications

We understand the importance for customers to be confident in the safety of our products. A. Gurda Produce is SQF Level 2 certified. SQF is currently the highest and most comprehensive level of food safety in the produce industry. We are also certified to pack organic products. We also follow strict USDA guidelines and have passed our USDA GAP/GHP audit.

To provide traceability, we print a Julian date code and lot number on each label. This enables a quick response in case of any issues or recalls.

Click on any tab to read more about these certifications.

SQF Program

SQF-Institute-A-Gurda-Produce The SQF Program provides two standards based on the type of food supplier: SQF 1000 for primary producers and SQF 2000 for manufacturers and distributors.
Within these two standards, SQF helps make certification more attainable for smaller companies by dividing the process into three steps: from Level 1, which incorporates fundamental food safety controls appropriate for low-risk products; all the way to Level 3, indicating a comprehensive implementation of food safety and quality management systems development. SQF 1000 meets the needs of primary producers with an internationally recognized certification system, along with guidance documents to help you implement the system. Certification provides verifiable assurance that your products have been produced in accordance with all SQF standards including HACCP codes and local requirements.

Global GAP

GLOBALG.A.P. today is the world’s leading farm assurance program, translating consumer requirements into Good Agricultural Practice in a rapidly growing list of countries – currently more than 135.

Gap Program USDA

USDA-Gurda USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Program, Specialty Crops Inspection (SCI) Division Audit Programs offers voluntary independent audits of produce suppliers throughout the production and supply chain. SCI Division Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) audits focus on best agricultural practices to verify that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled, and stored in the safest manner possible to minimize risks of microbial food safety hazards.

Pride of New York

Gurda-PrideofNY The Pride of New York Program was developed to promote and support the sale of agricultural products grown and food products processed within New York State. The Program’s growing membership now includes farmers and processors, retailers, distributors, restaurants and related culinary and support associations all working together to bring you wholesome, quality New York State products.

Blue Book

bbs-seal1 Since 1901, fresh produce traders and transporters have relied on Blue Book Services to make informed business decisions. They trust Blue Book Services to provide the most accurate and current information when they want it and how they want it.

Blue Book ratings are based on fact, not opinion or speculation. Their team of specialists continually validates listings. And their rating analysts closely monitor industry businesses to identify pay and trading changes or emerging financial trends that affect your profits. They publish hundreds of listing and rating changes each month.

USDA Organic

Gurda-USDA-Organic USDA’s National Organic Program regulates the standards for any farm, wild crop harvesting, or handling operation that wants to sell an agricultural product as organically produced.

What is Organic?
Organic production is a system that is managed in accordance with the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990 (PDF) and regulations in Title 7, Part 205 of the Code of Federal Regulations to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. The National Organic Program (NOP) develops, implements, and administers national production, handling, and labeling standards.

NYS Grown & Certified

New York State Grown & Certified is the first statewide, multi-faceted food certification program designed to strengthen consumer confidence in New York products, address food product labeling, and assist New York farmers so they can take advantage of the growing market demand for foods locally grown and produced to a higher standard.