food safety

Keeping fresh produce safe from the field to the supermarket is everyone’s responsibility, and now there’s a practical, updated resource to help WA growers, packers and suppliers do it with confidence.

Words Jody Sharpe, Communications Officer, Fresh Produce Safety

THE Fundamental Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety, developed by the Fresh Produce Safety Centre (FPSC), offer a free, science-based roadmap for managing food safety risks across the supply chain. Whether you grow, harvest, pack or transport produce, these Fundamental Guidelines are designed to make food safety easier to understand and apply good practice.

Built on the trusted principles of HACCP, the Fundamental Guidelines cover physical, chemical (including allergen), and microbiological hazards. They help identify hazards (like water, soil, people and equipment) and outline good practices to manage, minimise or prevent the risk of contamination. The 2025 edition includes new sections on Managing Critical Incidents and Recalls and Food Safety Culture, plus updated guidance on fertiliser use, water quality and microbial testing. New visuals, decision trees and appendices make it more user-friendly than ever.

For busy teams, the FPSC has also developed Quick Guides for Fresh Produce Food Safety. These handy, easy-to-use guides highlight key food safety hazards and good practices for everyday reference.

These voluntary Fundamental Guidelines don’t replace regulations, but they’ll help you meet your legal and customer requirements, protect your business reputation and strengthen confidence in the safety of fresh produce.

The best part?

They’re FREE to access and available to read online or download now from FPSC’s website at www.fpsc-anz.com.

Because food safety isn’t just good practice, it’s good business.

Navigating food safety?

The Fresh Produce Food Safety Help Desk is a dedicated support hub for navigating the complexities of food safety in the fresh produce sector, and it’s FREE!

From quick questions to in-depth advice, the Help Desk offers:

• Mobile line access: AU +61 407 814 730 NZ +64 27 536 8063

• Live online chat at fpsc-anz.com

• Email support at helpdesk@fpsc-anz.com

• A growing library of FAQs covering real-world, practical food safety concerns

Funding Statement

Version 5 of the Fundamental Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety was funded by HN21000 through Hort Innovation Frontiers with co-investment from FPSC, industry partners and contributions from the Australian Government.

The Fresh Produce Safety Centre (FPSC) is an independent, industry-led organisation that serves as the leading resource for food safety guidance across the fresh produce value chain in Australia and New Zealand.

We create, connect and sustain independent, science-driven food safety guidance that drives real-world change for a resilient and thriving fresh produce industry.