Arizona Leafy Greens Season Wrap Up – Audits & Compliance

In the 2021/2022 season the Arizona LGMA conducted 105 audits (70 scheduled and 35 unannounced) of its 38 members. The Arizona LGMA contracts with AZDA/USDA to conduct two scheduled and one unannounced audit with each shipper, and to audit each grower at least once.

LGMA Auditors

The Arizona LGMA food safety program is a part of the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA). The AZDA uses United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified auditors that verify compliance with the Arizona LGMA Food Safety Guidelines.

The 2021/2022 AZ LGMA Audit Team. Left to right: Sebastian Araiza (also a Nogales Import Inspector), Brianna Arballo (off-season USDA Date Inspections), Adrian Gumowski - Lead Auditor, Holly Castillo (off-season USDA Date Inspections), Juan Carlos Ley (also a Nogales Import Inspector)

Compliance

After an audit is conducted, the Arizona LGMA Compliance Officer conducts a review of the audit and sets each citation at one of four violation levels. The Compliance Officer works with each LGMA member to ensure that all violations are corrected in a timely manner. Additionally, the LGMA Technical Assistant conducts an annual review at the end of the season for member to assess compliance and address recurring issues.

Violation L

Violations	2019/2020	2020/2021	2021/2022
Flagrant	0	1	0
Major Deviation	3	7	0
Minor Deviation	462	520	399
Minor Infraction	99	67	83
Total	564	595	482

eve

3 Year Compliance Review for Members

New for 2022, all Arizona LGMA members can sign up to receive a Compliance Report. Vicki Scott, AZ LGMA's Technical Assistant, will present a summary of audit compliance for your company over the last three years and provide some tips for potential improvements moving forward.