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	Quick links about CHC OFFS: Find out more about the Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) On-Farm Food Safety Program (OFFS): Audit and Certification Process Program Benefits Program Background (CHC Web site) Options A, B, C – Details Option A Option B Option C Certification costs (CHC Web site) Frequently Asked Questions Contact Information

The Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) On-Farm Food Safety Program (OFFS) is an on-farm program for producers, packers and storage intermediaries of horticultural crops, designed to help implement effective food safety procedures in its operation.

The CHC OFFS Manuals are based on the seven basic principles of the internationally-recognized HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) model. The Program is administered and delivered by the Canadian Horticultural Council, with audit and certification provided by QMI-SAI Global.

There are eight different commodity-specific modules in the CHC OFFS Program:

• Asparagus, Sweet Corn and Legumes
• Bulb and Root Vegetables
• Fruiting Vegetables
• Greenhouse Production
• Leafy Vegetables and Cruciferae
• Potatoes
• Small Fruit
• Tree and Vine Fruit

What is Program Certification?

Certification is the term used by the CHC to describe the determination by a qualified authority that your operation meets the standard and is being maintained on an ongoing basis. This involves having an auditor from QMI-SAI Global, come to your operation to:

• Review your OFFS Manual(s) and related records,
• Visit your facilities and interview the operator and staff,
• Assess your conformance to the CHC OFFS Audit Checklist.

Since the Audit Checklist covers all eight modules, multi-crop producers need only one audit. Once you pass the audit, you will be certified to the Program.

Certification indicates that you have in place in your operation a system of procedures to minimize the risk of contamination to product. QMI-SAI Global will certify your processes, not your product. The auditor gathers evidence to attest to the ongoing maintenance of your food safety system, rather than simply gaining a snapshot of your operation at a given point in time.

How do I enrol in the Program?

Those interested in being certified to the Program must enrol through the CHC. The application form is available on the CHC web site or by contacting the CHC National Office. The first audits for CHC OFFS Program Certification will be available to producers, storage intermediaries and packers on September 1, 2008.

Click here to read more information about the audit and certification process.