From a regulatory standpoint, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) are considered guidelines and are not mandatory. However, it is possible that recent outbreaks of produce-related foodborne illness may encourage a shift toward regulatory requirements. From a commercial standpoint, purchasing requirements and approved vendor programs may require that a particular grower or packer have a formal, documented GAPs program in place. This is often true for large national customers as well as for products that are intended for export to other countries. Additionally, some states and commodities operating under specific Marketing Orders may have specific requirements related to GAPs or GAP-like programs.

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