New food safety standards for growers of berries, leafy green vegetables and melons will come into effect from February 12, 2025, to maintain the state’s reputation as a responsible producer.
Food Standards Australia and New Zealand introduced the new food safety and compliance standards in 2022 to the National Food Standards Code.
Agriculture Victoria horticulture standards engagement officer, Emily Scott, said the standards would assist in lifting food safety standards across the industry.
“We are working closely with industry bodies and growers to support businesses implementing the new standards with a timely awareness and engagement campaign,” Ms Scott said.
“Current food safety arrangements are recognised where possible, and our online system assists in documenting and verifying requirements.
“The standards apply to businesses of any size that grow or complete primary or ‘early-stage’ processing such as washing, trimming, sorting, sanitising or storing of berries, leafy vegetables or melons.
“It is worth noting that many businesses are already meeting the requirements in the standards, through their participation in industry food safety schemes.
“However, there will be new registration requirements which are managed through Agriculture Victoria Connect.
“If you grow leafy greens, melons or berries in Victoria, I encourage you to visit the Agriculture Victoria website to learn more about the implementation of the Standards across Victoria, and to sign up for the Food Safety Standards e-news and keep up to date with upcoming events.”
Agriculture Victoria is holding a webinar on Tuesday, 10 December for berry, leafy vegetable and melon producers to learn more about the new standards.
The webinar will cover key microbial food safety risks, what is required to comply with the Standards for each industry, how Global Food Safety Initiative schemes will be recognised, indicative costs and where to access useful information and resources. Growers of all sizes are encouraged to attend.
All producers are still obliged to ensure food for sale is safe and suitable for human consumption prior to this new standard commencing.
