Identity Preserved...

Identity Preserved provides certification of processes and characteristics of products through verification and documentation. This is the ultimate in traceability. The IP certification gives positive verification that Cal-Ore Produce has implemented GAP at all of its growers and they have passed the USDA Federal-State Audit with a 70% or better compliance score to reduce microbial contamination.

IP certification verifies that the product is stored in a secure facility and transported in a sealed container. IP certification follows the product through packing to verify that the packing facility has passed the USDA federal-State Audit Program's Good Handling Practices to prevent microbial contamination. This is a "FARM to FORK" certification.

Cal-Ore Produce is reducing the risk of microbial contamination, preventing contamination in the storing and transportation of product, and packing the product in a manner that promotes the safe handling of food products. Cal-Ore Produce has implemented the Identity Preserved Program that certifies through third party (ODA) verification and documentation that products are grown in fields that are managed to reduce the risk of microbial contamination, stored and transported in a secure manner, and packed in a facility with a Quality Management System that applies preventative measures to reduce microbial contamination. An IP in short is as follows:

• Field is positively identified by ODA and registered into program (Documented).
• Field is audited by ODA for water quality, use of bio-solids, land history, and exclusion of pests in field. (Farm Review Audit).
• Product is grown in field.
• Harvesting of product is audited by ODA to verify sanitary worker conditions, field sanitation units, handling of product, and transportation of product to storage or packing facility. (Field Harvesting and Packing Facility Activity Audit).
• Storage facilities are positively identified and registered in the IP program. (Documented).
• Storage facilities are audited by an ODA auditor in facilities status in excluding pests, implementing a pest control program, maintaining temperatures, and storing, loading, and transporting product in a manner that reduces microbial contamination. (Storage and Transportation Audit).
• Storage facilities are inspected by ODA to verify that the facility can be secured and that entry logs are in place. Doors are numbered and recorded. (Secure Storage Initial Inspection).
• Product is stored and traceable to the field of origin.
• Regular inspections by ODA are preformed to verify that the facility is secure, seals recorded, and entry logged. (Secure Storage Inspection Report).
• Packing facility is audited according to the USDA Federal-State Audit Program to reduce microbial contamination.
• Product is packed and employees handling practices are audited by the ODA that verify that they are preventing contamination during packing by following the applicant's procedures for worker health and hygiene, and handling product in a sanitary manner. (Packing House Audit).
• Product is packed and inspected for quality by a USDA licensed product inspector. (FV291-7).
• Product is loaded onto a truck/trailer that is sealed and seal number entered on log . (Shipping Log).
• Shipping log is verified by ODA inspector. (Secure Storage Inspection).
• Product is received from applicant in a truck/trailer with seal intact that was applied at shipping point.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Identity Preserved (IP) Program is a third party audit and inspection program developed to certify or "validate" the process used by a company or producer to maintain the identity of a commodity from seed to shelf, thereby adding value and marketability to commodities.