The following Commodity Specific Food Safety Guidelines for the Production and Harvest of Lettuce and Leafy Greens have been developed through industry, academic and government collaboration in an effort to support more specific and verifiable food safety best practices for the production and harvest of leafy greens. Key partners in this effort are the Western Growers, Produce Marketing Association, California Farm Bureau Federation, United Fresh Produce Association and the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California. The "Guidelines" constitute the opinion of the authors and are intended for information purposes only. Western Growers by publishing these guidelines and other supporting materials is not providing legal advice and urges users to review all information herein with their food safety and legal professionals.

The Commodity Specific Food Safety Guidelines for the Production and Harvest of Lettuce and Leafy Greens sometimes referred to as metrics or GAPs (Good Agricultural Practices) were accepted by the California Leafy Greens Handler Marketing Agreement (CALGMA) Advisory Board on March 23, 2007. The acceptance of these Guidelines by the CALGMA establishes criteria for a program administered by CDFA to verify that all growers affiliated with the marketing agreement are producing lettuce and leafy greens in accordance with the Guidelines.

Western Growers believes this document is an informed and practical set of GAPs that will enhance the safety of these products and strengthen consumer confidence in lettuce and leafy greens.