A Brazilian produce plant was evaluated according to good agricultural practices (GAPs) using a checklist. The agricultural
water was sampled for total and faecal coliform and Escherichia coli counts. Equipment/handler sanitary facilities, the handling
of agrochemicals and pesticides, records of the composting process, prior analysis of the irrigation water for the identification of
heavy metals and pesticide residues, inadequate temperature control of the raw material storage room, qualified person to manage
the operations and periodic training programmes on food manipulation, hygiene and microbiology, were the main critical points
found during the inspection. Microbiological analyses of the irrigation water gave counts between 0.3 and 1.2 logMPN/ml for total
and faecal coliforms, respectively and absence of E. coli. The results are discussed and the necessary corrections suggested in order to
improve process safety.