Handler Treatment Plan

OMB No. 0581-0242

Handler Treatment Plan

Handler Name	     
Address	     

CROP YEAR:      

Handlers will submit an annual plan to the Almond Board of California (Board or ABC) that outlines how almonds will be subjected to a minimum 4-log reduction of Salmonella bacteria contamination prior to entering commercial channels.¹ New plans need only be submitted if there are changes in procedures, treatment facilities, etc. Any changes to the Plan are to be submitted and approved prior to implementation.

New Plan Updated Plan No Change to approved plan

I certify that the information provided in this Handler Treatment Plan is accurate. I understand that the Federal-State Inspection Service and the Board will verify documentation and procedures against this verification plan.

Signature:

Date:

Return completed form to: Almond Board of California, 1150 9^th St., Suite 1500, Modesto, CA 95354 fax: (209) 550-5494

	Section 1: Background Information
	Please confirm the destination of your almond shipments (check all that apply):	Within the U.S., or to Canada or Mexico (treated and/or unpasteurized) Exported to locations outside the U.S., Canada, or Mexico
	Almonds shipped within the U.S., or to Canada or Mexico, excluding those directly shipped to an ABC-approved DV user, are subjected to a minimum 4-log treatment which has been validated and approved the ABC TERP2 at: (check all that apply):	This Location Another Location Custom Processor
	ABC Approved Custom Processor(s): As an almond handler, I may choose to use an approved Custom Processor and process from the Almond Board List at the time of treatment. Prior to using a Custom Processor, I will verify that the process to be used has been validated and approved by the ABC TERP to achieve a minimum 4-log reduction for salmonella bacteria on almonds.	I agree Not Applicable – Exporting to locations outside the U.S., Canada, or Mexico only. Not using a Custom Processor. Not Applicable – Treating all product In-house. Not using a Custom Processor.
All unpasteurized almonds shipped to approved DV Users within the U.S, or to Canada or Mexico, or unpasteurized almonds shipped to other export markets must be prominently identified as “unpasteurized” on the cartons, bins and totes. The lettering must be on one outside principal display panel, at least 1/2 inch in height, clear and legible.
Are you exporting almonds that have not been treated? (If yes, you must maintain a copy of the bill of lading for such shipments to prove export.)		Yes No
Are you using the DV program?2		Yes No
Section 2: Treatment Procedures On or Off-Site
Attach flow chart or briefly describe how product will flow through the treatment process (on or off site) including post treatment packing, identification, and storage. Include non-treated product storage/segregation, processing, post treatment packaging and post process contamination storage control/id/labeling.      
Describe how pasteurized and unpasteurized almonds will be identified to minimize potential cross-contamination or entry into commercial channels prior to treatment. All unpasteurized almonds shipped to approved DV Users within the U.S, or to Canada or Mexico, or unpasteurized almonds shipped to other export markets must be prominently identified as “unpasteurized” on the cartons, bins and totes. The lettering must be on one outside principal display panel, at least 1/2 inch in height, clear and legible.       On-Site Treatment Process(es): List all of the ABC TERP approved process equipment/processes used at this facility:      
Treatment Documentation. Detail the documentation that will substantiate that appropriate treatment has occurred. (Explain recordkeeping, production worksheets, temperature chart recorders, computer logs, etc…) Documentation must include but is not limited to: Lot identification/tracking      
Treatment Documentation continued... Treatment date and time (on or off site)      
Treatment Processing records      
Other      
Product output. How will product be handled after treatment to ensure that the integrity of the almonds will be maintained (avoiding recontamination).      
Section 3: Inter-Handler Transfers
Confirm how inter-handler transfer or industry purchase will be addressed.3 Describe in detail the processes, procedures and internal controls you will implement to ensure that all almonds received as inter-handler transfer or industry purchase will receive the appropriate treatment before shipment from your facility. All inter-handler transfers must be accompanied by an ABC Form No. 7, Inter-handler Transfer of Almonds.
Process to ensure treatment of untreated almonds received via inter-handler transfers:      
Process to ensure treatment of untreated almonds received via industry purchase:      
Process to ensure treated almonds received via inter-handler transfers are not recontaminated:      
Process to ensure treated almonds received via industry purchase are not recontaminated:      

³ All transfers of almonds between handlers must be documented. In all instances involving interhandler transfers, it is the responsibility of the receiving handler to ensure that the almonds are treated prior to shipment and to maintain documentation to that effect.

The following statements are made in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (U.S.C. 552a) and the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The authority for requesting this information to be supplied on this form is the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, Secs. 1-19, 48 Stat. 31, as amended, (7 U.S.C. 601-674). Furnishing the requested information is necessary for the administration of the marketing order program.

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0581- 0242. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 2.0 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

1 Exemptions are untreated almonds shipped under the DV program in the U.S., or to Canada, or Mexico, or untreated almonds exported directly or through a third party to other markets. Exempt shipments must be prominently identified as “unpasteurized.” The lettering must be at least ½ inch in height. ²Almond Board of California Technical Expert Review Panel.

2 DV Users must apply to ABC and have completed ABC Form No. 51. Handlers using the DV program must contact ABC to determine if their customer is an approved DV User. Only direct shipments of almonds to approved DV Users can be shipped untreated. All shipments of unpasteurized almonds to approved DV Users must be prominently identified as “unpasteurized” on the cartons, bins, and boxes. The lettering must be on one outside principal display panel, at least 1/2 inch in height, clear and legible.

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