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Freshcare NewsSpecial Edition: New Codes Launched
Issue 27 · Winter 2016
The Freshcare Program is now in its 16th year of operation, delivering food safety and environmental certification services to over 5000 fresh produce and wine grape businesses across Australia.
As an industry owned, not-for-profit program, Freshcare provides a practical training, implementation and certification path for businesses across all sectors of the fresh produce industry, from small niche growers to large multi-site operations.
Regardless of the size of business, the key to successful food safety implementation and certification is the practical, industry focused, science-based approach that Freshcare provides. This industry specific focus ensures that the Freshcare standards are widely accepted by all sectors of the supply chain, from packing sheds and local retail stores to major retailers in both domestic and export markets.
Since its launch in July 2000, Freshcare has operated as a private industry standard, a structure that up until now has been adequate to meet the requirements of all stakeholders.
However, for Freshcare to remain an approved standard in the fresh produce sector, we now need to operate under a more formal structure of Certification Body approval and rules. Freshcare needs to become an accredited certification.
Under accredited certification, an independent ‘check of the checkers’ takes place to provide a greater certainty and consistency of process. This will ensure that all Certification Bodies audit their clients consistently, in accordance with Freshcare’s clearly defined standards, in an impartial manner and always on the basis of evidence. Auditors from those accredited Certification Bodies are required to formally demonstrate competence to audit to the agreed standard.
Whilst much of the rigour enforced through accredited certification was already in place when Freshcare operated as a private scheme (we reviewed
Certification Body performance, set auditor competencies and checked audit reports) the independent recognition of the process through accreditation is key to the ongoing acceptance of Freshcare as a certification standard.
Accreditation: verifies that a Certification Body has an appropriate management system in place to ensure they manage an agreed certification process, consistently and in accordance with agreed guidelines.
Certification: is the process through which a Certification Body confirms a participating business has the appropriate systems in place to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of a standard, such as Freshcare.
In February 2016 the Freshcare Food Safety and Quality Standard (FSQ) was approved by JAS-ANZ* to operate as an accredited standard under ISO/IEC17065:2012; all Freshcare FSQ certificates will transition to accredited certification by mid-2017 as individual audits are due.
*JAS-ANZ – The Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand
Freshcare Food Safety & Quality – Private Certification to Accredited Certification
Table of Contents1
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Freshcare Food Safety & Quality – Private Certification to Accredited Certification
Next step – the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)
QA Harmonisation – the driver for change
New Codes: Freshcare FSQ4 & ENV3
Freshcare Rules
Timeframes for transition to FSQ4 and ENV3
Program resources and new Code formats explained
Freshcare Crop List
Freshcare Food Safety & Quality Edition 4 (FSQ4)
New Board Members appointed in 2016
Freshcare Environmental Edition 3 (ENV3)
Vale – Reg Johns and Duane Leadbetter
Freshcare Codes for the Australian Wine Industry
Freshcare eLearning – providing remote access to Freshcare training
How to obtain the Freshcare FSQ4 and ENV3 manual resources
QA Harmonisation – the driver for changeOne of the most commonly heard criticisms of quality assurance in the fresh produce sector is the duplication of systems or standards, and consequent multiple audits that an individual business may face when supplying more than one major customer.
Whilst the systems/standards may be almost identical in content, the fact that no one system is accepted by all customers’ usually results in extended audit time, extended reporting time and hence significant additional costs.
Certification Bodies try to equip their auditors to deal with this duplication, but for those businesses supplying several of the major retail chains and/or food service providers, the duplication in compliance is often costly and time consuming. It’s not uncommon for a business to have to demonstrate compliance to five separate, yet similar, standards.
The recently launched QA Harmonisation project, Harmonised Australian Retailer Producer Scheme (HARPS), currently funded by Horitculture Innovation Australia (HIA) is seeking to address this issue in the fresh produce sector.
The project is focused on system equivalence. The aim is to gain agreement from all customer groups to accept a suite of certification standards, including Freshcare, that have been benchmarked against the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), enabling growers to select a single standard. The over-and-above requirements from all retailers have been harmonised into one additional ‘bolt-on’ standard that will also be a requirement for all direct suppliers.
The project has the support of the five biggest grocery retailers in Australia, namely ALDI, Coles, Costco, Metcash and Woolworths. It is estimated that the fresh produce market share covered by these businesses is approximately 70% of the total Australian market.
The project is due for launch in late 2016, and if QA Harmonisation can be achieved across all major retailers in one country, it will be a global first. In the words of a key stakeholder, this will “position horticulture in Australia as a best-practice industry that is actively taking a leadership position that other sectors should follow”.
Impact on FreshcareAs already outlined in this newsletter, Freshcare has become an accredited certification in order to ensure long term acceptance of the standard by key customer groups. The next step, for Freshcare to achieve GFSI benchmark status, will be equally as important for ongoing market acceptance, hence the course of action outlined above.
The alternative option, of not going down the accreditation and GFSI equivalent path, would consign Freshcare to an unsustainable and short future and industry would lose its most cost-effective, industry owned, food safety certification option.
Impact on Grower Businesses For businesses supplying multiple customers and with multiple system compliance requirements, the QA Harmonisation project is likely to result in savings in terms of system management, time and costs.
“…not going down the accreditation and GFSI equivalent path, would consign Freshcare to an unsustainable and short future…”
For most Freshcare certified businesses, once our GFSI benchmark process is complete (and with provisional approval in the interim), your existing certification should allow you to meet the food safety requirements of all domestic market customers.
For other fresh produce businesses that currently just have HACCP on farm, QA Harmonisation may ultimately result in their needing to change to a GFSI benchmarked standard.
Cost implicationsThe cost to the Freshcare Program to achieve and maintain both accredited status under JAS-ANZ and in 2016/17, GFSI benchmark approval, are substantial. These costs will be covered by Freshcare Ltd on behalf of participating businesses.
It is not envisaged that there will be substantial changes in the actual cost of system implementation and compliance on farm for Freshcare participating businesses, as a result of Freshcare being an accredited Certification/GFSI benchmarked.
The cost of operating as an accredited certification is a cost incurred by each Freshcare Certification Body, in terms of annual JAS-ANZ assessment fees and a per certificate fee for each client. This additional cost may vary between Certification Bodies, but it is likely to increase the annual cost of compliance, for participating businesses.
Next step – the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)A key driver in Freshcare’s move to accredited certification is the retailer driven requirement for Freshcare to be benchmarked to the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).
GFSI provides an international benchmark model against which other standards can be assessed. The GFSI process enables customers to nominate to accept fresh produce from suppliers with any food safety system that is recognised as equivalent to GFSI - knowing that an agreed standard of compliance will have been achieved.
Already in Australia, GFSI benchmarked systems are required for direct supply to both Costco and ALDI. This requirement is
likely to extend to all major customer groups, initially for direct supply, but ultimately, in time, for indirect supply from farm level – so Freshcare needs to be prepared.
Now an accredited certification, Freshcare has achieved the first step on the path to GFSI benchmark status; the next step is to submit a draft benchmark document to GFSI for review. However, the full benchmark cannot be submitted until early 2017, when Freshcare has operated as an accredited certification for at least 12 months. If everything goes to plan, Freshcare hopes to be fully GFSI benchmarked by late 2017.
2 Freshcare News Issue 27 · Winter 2016
New Codes: Freshcare FSQ4 & ENV3When the Code reviews were initiated in 2014, the intention was to simply update content in response to participant and stakeholder feedback to create more practical, streamlined standards.
As the process got underway, it was evident that the new standards would also need to:
» ensure structural alignment between the Freshcare Codes
» provide improved access to guidance material – each code element now has clear references to records, Freshcare resources and external resources.
and for the Food Safety & Quality Code,
» ensure compliance with the requirements of GFSI
» align with the ‘go-to’ food safety resource for the Australian fresh produce industry, ‘The Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety’
Note: in some areas the requirements of the Freshcare FSQ4 Code exceeds those stated in The Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety’.
All these objectives have been achieved in the Food Safety & Quality Edition 4 (FSQ4) and Environmental Edition 3 (ENV3) Freshcare Codes that deliver practical compliance solutions for all stakeholders.
Timeframes for transition to FSQ4 and ENV3All audits from 1 January 2017 must be to the FSQ4 and ENV3 Codes of Practice.
As with any new Code editions, there will be a transition period for participating businesses currently certified to Freshcare Codes of Practice – Food Safety & Quality 3rd Edition and Environmental 2nd Edition to upgrade to Food Safety & Quality Edition 4 (FSQ4) and Environmental Edition 3 (ENV3).
From 1 June to 31 December 2016, existing Freshcare participating businesses will have the choice of either a:
» 3rd Edition or Edition 4 FSQ audits; and/or
» 2nd Edition or Edition 3 ENV audit.
Businesses must comply with all requirements relevant to the Edition of the FSQ/ENV Codes they are audited to. For instance, all FSQ 3rd Edition requirements must be met for a 3rd Edition FSQ audit, and all Edition 4 requirements must be met for an FSQ4 audit. You will not be able to have a FSQ 3rd Edition audit whilst meeting FSQ4 requirements, or vice versa.
FSQ4 and ENV3 Training
There is no mandatory training requirement to transition to the new Codes. All Code and manual resources will be available for download on FreshcareOnline for Growers. Please email [email protected] or contact the Freshcare Office to have your logon reissued.
For those who require assistance to transition, or require additional staff to undertake training, FSQ4 and ENV3 training will be available from June 2016. Freshcare training will also be available online via Freshcare eLearning (for more information, see Freshcare eLearning article on page 8).
How do I transition to FSQ4 and ENV3?
Thank you to all our contributorsThe release of FSQ4 and ENV3 is the culmination of over 2 years work for the Freshcare Office, Technical Committees and extended stakeholder network. The contribution of all Code contributors, reviewers and editors is very much appreciated.
Freshcare RulesThe Freshcare Rules, previously Certification Rules, is a document that explains everything you need to know about how the Freshcare program works, as well as your rights and responsibilities and those of other stakeholders. The Freshcare Rules cover everything from initial registration with Freshcare, through to Certification Body selection and the annual audit process.
The Freshcare Rules will be available for download on FreshcareOnline from June 2016. A copy of this document must be kept by all participating businesses.
Should you wish to receive a hardcopy of the Freshcare Rules, please contact the Freshare Office.
To ensure your business is fully compliant to the new Code requirements, you must complete the FSQ4 and ENV3 M4 Form – Internal audit report.
To assist with the transition to FSQ4 and ENV3, this newsletter includes:
» An explanation of the new Code format and resources (pages 4-5); and
» A summary of changes in FSQ4 (pages 6-8) and ENV3 (pages 9-10) is provided to assist with identifying changes and new records requirements.
Freshcare News Issue 27 · Winter 2016 3
For information on obtaining the manual resources, see page 12.
Freshcare Crop ListThe Freshcare Crop List is the master list of crops for Freshcare Certificates. This list is kept and maintained by Freshcare and updated versions are communicated to Freshcare stakeholders.
This may be referred to when adding the crops to your M1 Scope record. The Freshcare Crop List is available for download via FreshcareOnline for Growers under Resources.
4 Freshcare News Issue 27 · Winter 2016
Program resources and new Code formats explainedProgram resource changes for FSQ4 and ENV3
The FSQ4 and ENV3 training manuals are now presented in a new landscape format, providing a more user friendly integrated document. Tabled below is an outline of changes to the training manuals.
Food Safety & Quality 3rd Edition and Environmental 2nd Edition
manual formatFSQ4 and ENV3 training manual format
1. Code of Practice
2. Compliance Criteria
3. Forms
4. Resource Materials
5. Certification Rules
1. Freshcare Rules Rules and requirements for participants of the Freshcare Program. Replaces Certification Rules.
2. Code of Practice Includes extended content and references in Appendix. Previous Compliance Criteria document now removed.
3. Forms New format and aligned between Codes (where possible) for consistency.
4. Resources FactsheetsGuidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety (2015) for FSQ4 Guidelines for Environmental Assurance (2014) for ENV3
M1 Scope Page 1 of 2
FRESHCARE FOOD SAFETY & QUALITY EDITION 4 – FORM REF1603
The Freshcare Food Safety & Quality Program has been implemented by following business:
(Business name)
Scope categories (indicate those applicable):
Grower Packer
Identify business site address/es (*Site ID to be used as reference for other forms):
Site identification (Site ID)* Location address
Factsheet: E1 Environmental action planning
FRESHCARE ENVIRONMENTAL EDITION 3 – FACTSHEET REF1603 PAGE 1 OF 2
This factsheet covers:
Environmental action planning Environmental values Environmental issues Environmental Action Plan (EAP)
Environmental action planning
All environmental management systems require a continuous improvement cycle of ‘plan, do, check, act.’ The Freshcare environmental program applies this cycle via the compliance criteria and environmental action plan requirements of the Code.
The Environmental Code of Practice outlines compliance criteria via elements for a range of property activities common to many different types of farming systems and production inputs, known to present risks that may cause environmental harm. The compliance criteria include basic requirements for record keeping, documenting property plans, implementing good agricultural practices and reviewing performance to demonstrate ‘good agricultural practices’ for environmental assurance.
Adherence to the compliance criteria is required by all businesses seeking certification to the Freshcare Code of Practice Environmental, and will ensure the first step to achieving continuous improvement of environmental management is occurring on-farm. The Environmental Action Plan (EAP) will help businesses complete the continuous improvement cycle. See details under Environmental Action Plan on this factsheet.
Environmental values
Environmental values can be defined as ‘worth that a community or society places on environmental resources or services for their life sustaining, recreational, aesthetic or intrinsic ecological aspects.’
The Freshcare Environmental Code asks you to conduct an assessment of your property and business operations to identify and assess any environmental values.
Some examples of environmental values: areas of native vegetation; natural waterways, wetlands, riparian areas; areas where rare or threatened native animals nest, roost, rest or feed; a threaten species of animal or plant know to be on the property or in the area; sensitive areas of high conservation value; native grasses and ground covers.
Actions planned to manage and improve identified environmental values will be undertaken via the Environmental Action Plan (EAP).
Environmental issues
An environmental issue is defined as ‘the result of the negative impacts of human activity on the natural environment.’ The Freshcare Environmental Code asks you to conduct an assessment of your property and business operations to identify any environmental issues.
Some examples of environmental issues: soil erosion, creek or river bed erosion, areas affected by salinity or waterlogging, weed infestations, machinery or equipment emitting smoke, a dust or odour problem.
Actions planned to address, manage or improve identified environmental issues will be undertaken via the Environmental Action Plan (EAP).
Factsheets have now replaced the ‘Resource Materials’ section previously provided within Freshcare Training manuals. The move to Factsheets for each section of the Code allows for information to be shared in a more concise and user friendly format, and allows for ease of updates to ensure current information is always provided.
Example of a Freshcare Form.
Guidelines for
Fresh Produce
Food Safety
FRESH PRODUCE
SAFETY CENTRE
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
PROUDLY HOSTED BYPROGRAM PARTNER
11
Developed by:
HORTICULTURE FOR TOMORROW Managed by Horticulture Australia LimitedSecond Edition – 2014
Guidelines for Environmental Assurance in Australian Horticulture
Disclaimer
This guide has been produced by Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL) to provide general information on environmental management
in horticulture. The information has been provided in good faith, and the views expressed do not necessarily represent the views
of HAL. HAL does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided and no responsibility or liability will be
accepted for any use or reliance on the material contained in the document.Laws governing environmental protection and management by horticultural producers can be complex, and may be include
numerous Federal, State and Local Acts and Regulations. In addition, changes to these laws may be made from time to time.
The user of this guide should seek expert advice from an appropriate professional or the relevant government agency to ensure the
precise effect of current laws is fully understood before implementing any course of action referred to in this guide.
© 2014 – Horticulture Australia Limited. Parts of this document may be reproduced provided they are not sold for profit and the
copyright owner is clearly identified on any reproduction.
z
z
FRESHCARE FOOD SAFETY & QUALITY EDITION 4 – CODE OF PRACTICE (Draft 12v59) PAGE 14 OF 45
Code Element Compliance Criteria Records
F2 Growing site
F2.1 Manage growing sites to minimise the risk of contaminating produce.
1. If the risk assessment conducted in F1.1 identified the risk of persistent chemical contamination of produce from the soil/growing medium is high, the additional control measures specified in the risk assessment are implemented. (See Appendix RA-F1.1).
2. If the risk assessment conducted in F1.2 identified the risk of heavy metal contamination of produce from the soil/growing medium is high, the additional control measures specified in the risk assessment are implemented. (See Appendix A-F5 and RA-F1.2).
3. Growing sites are assessed for potential of spray drift. 4. Where spray drift is likely, plantings are planned to minimise the risk of contaminating non-
target produce. 5. For growing sites affected by a flood event, planting must be scheduled to ensure the
period between flood water subsiding and harvest exceeds 90 days for produce where the harvestable part is grown in, or has direct contact with the soil, and may be eaten uncooked.
6. Livestock is not permitted on growing sites within: 90 days of intended harvest date for produce where the harvestable part is grown in, or
has direct contact with the soil, and may be eaten uncooked; or 45 days of intended harvest date for all other produce.
7. Growing sites are assessed for potential of physical contamination. 8. Where physical contamination is likely, sites are inspected before ground preparation and
physical contaminants are removed or managed to minimise the risk of contaminating produce.
9. Sites/areas contaminated with physical contaminants are identified on the property map.
Form – F1 Risk assessment – persistent chemicals
Soil/growing medium test for persistent chemicals
Produce residue test result for persistent chemicals
Form – F1 Risk assessment – heavy metals
Produce residue test result for heavy metals
Form – F2 Livestock movement record
Property map
Freshcare Resources Appendix – A-F5 Limits for heavy metal contaminants in growing medium
and fertilisers and soil additives Appendix – RA-F1.1 Risk assessment – persistent chemicals Appendix – RA-F1.2 Risk assessment – heavy metals Factsheet – F2 Growing site
External Resources Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety (2015) Chapter 5 Managing the
growing site and planting material, page 18 Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Food Standards Code –
Section 1.4.1 – Contaminants and natural toxicants, Section 1.4.2 Agvet chemicals and associated Schedules – Schedule 19, 20 and 21 www.foodstandards.gov.au
Australian Standard AS4454 (2012) Composts soil conditioners and mulches
�Code Element The Code Element references each section of the Code.
�Code Element Summary The summary statement identifies the outcomes to be achieved from the completion of the Compliance Criteria for that Code Element.
�Information Section The information icon highlights references to Freshcare and External Resources at the end of each section.
�Compliance Criteria The Compliance Criteria are specific requirements that need to be met in order to demonstrate compliance to the Code Element.
�Freshcare Resources The Freshcare Resources provides references to the Appendix, Factsheets, and other useful Freshcare documents (e.g. Freshcare Crop List).
�External Resources The External Resources provides reference to industry resources and website links (e.g. Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety (2015); HIA Guidelines for Environmental Assurance (2014)).
Code format changes for FSQ4 and ENV3
FSQ4 and ENV3 Codes now include compliance criteria and references to resources, removing duplication of information and to ensure that the Codes of Practice remain the ‘go-to’ documents for information/clarification.
The Codes of Practice include the following sections:
» Introduction
» Management Elements: now aligned between FSQ4 and ENV3 to allow for consistency and ease of record keeping and integration, training and auditing of participating businesses.
» Food Safety & Quality and Environmental Elements: aligned Elements F4/E4 Chemicals, F5/E5 Fertilisers and soil additives, F6/E6 Water, to better enable joint implementation and auditing.
» Appendix: Provides information on specific criteria referenced in the Code elements, e.g. training requirements, examples of evidence of compliance, specified limits etc. In FSQ4, Risk Assessments have been incorporated into the Code and are part of the Appendix.
» Glossary: Freshcare definitions of terms and related subjects.
Figure A�Records The Records column is a new
inclusion to the Code, added to assist in identifying records and evidence that may be required to demonstrate compliance to the specified Code Element.
Examples provided in the Records column will include references to Freshcare Forms (e.g. Form: M1 Scope) or other evidence that may be required (e.g. test results).
Freshcare News Issue 27 · Winter 2016 5
Freshcare Food Safety & Quality Edition 4 (FSQ4)The review process for the Food Safety & Quality Code started in May 2014, with Freshcare seeking feedback on the content, format, structure and usability of the FSQ Code, training manuals and resources.
The Freshcare Team and Technical Committee undertook the review of the Code and supporting materials, incorporating feedback received from participating and certified businesses, Freshcare stakeholders and wider industry.
The Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety released in September 2015 have been used to provide guidance and reference for specified limits within the FSQ4 Code. In some areas, the FSQ4 Code requirements exceed those outlined in the Guidelines.
Changes to the Freshcare Code of Practice Food Safety & Quality Edition 4
Based on the feedback received on the 3rd Edition FSQ Code, the Code review process initially focused on Food Safety Elements: F5 Fertilisers, F6 Water and F12 Suppliers.
The Code review was then extended to the entire Code, revising the order of Code Elements and Compliance Criteria which have been rearranged and in some cases split for a more logical flow, e.g. Product Traceability and Recall are now two separate Elements and Compliance Criteria in F4 Chemicals and F8 Facilities have been reorganised.
The Management section underwent further review in conjunction with the Environmental Code Review process to ensure consistency for businesses implementing both programs. FSQ4 and ENV3 now have aligned Management sections.
A new Element F12 Food defence and food fraud, has been added to meet Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) requirements (for more information, see page 2).
The following is a summary of changes and new inclusions to the FSQ4 Code:
MANAGEMENT
M1 Scope and commitment
» All business enterprises undertaken on the property are recorded.
» Flowcharts are completed to document the crops and activities for which Freshcare certification is required.
» The requirement for a property map has moved from F11 Product identification and traceability to M1, and is now part of defining the scope of your business. Refer to the FSQ4 Code for specific items required to be identified on the property map.
» The organisational structure of the business is documented and must include: workers responsible for the management of food safety and quality; reporting relationships of all workers whose roles may affect food safety and quality.
Action required: update M1 Scope; update and record required items on a property map; document an organisational chart.
M2 Documentation
» Freshcare Rules have been released and must be kept on file for all future audits.
» All records and documents required to verify compliance are legible and must include: title, date of issue or version number, business name, name of person completing the record and date of completion.
Action required: a copy of the Freshcare Rules and FSQ4 Code must be kept; new Form templates are available and include all FSQ4 record keeping requirements (upgrade templates to new FSQ4 Forms or amend existing templates).
M3 Training
» A management representative completes approved Freshcare Food Safety & Quality training. Evidence is kept. Approved training may be to FSQ3 or FSQ4. Those who have already completed FSQ3 training will not be required to undertake FSQ4 training, unless they wish to undertake training to support implementation.
» All workers must receive basic food safety training before starting work.
» A review of training must be conducted at least annually or when tasks and/or workers change.
Action required: no additional Freshcare FSQ training required to transition to FSQ4; all new workers must receive basic food safety training prior to starting work; review workers’ training needs at least annually.
M4 Internal audit and corrective action
» The previous Code requirements for incidents to be recorded e.g. potential spray drift or loss of tools, have been removed in FSQ4, as they represent instances when an internal Corrective Action Record (CAR) should be raised.
» Reoccurring CARs are reviewed by the owner or appropriate senior manager.
Action required: an internal audit must be conducted when transitioning to the FSQ4 Code; internal CARs should be raised when the requirements of FSQ4 are not being met; reoccurring CARs must be reviewed.
M5 Customer requirements
No new additions to this section, minor wording changes were made.
Action required: review product specifications and required inspection records.
FOOD SAFETY & QUALITY
F1 Hazard analysis
» All risk assessments throughout the Code are now in F1. Risk assessments are attached in the FSQ4 Code Appendix. Form versions of the risk assessments are also available as FSQ4 Form templates.
» The high significance actions (previously control measures specified in the Compliance Criteria) are found now within the Code Elements and the Risk Assessments.
» New Risk Assessment for fertilisers and soil additives and preharvest water use.
» Additional Risk Assessments/Hazard analyses may be conducted for additional food safety hazard/s identified within the scope of this Code of Practice which may be specific to your business, local area or crop commodity.
6 Freshcare News Issue 27 · Winter 2016
» Any aspects of the Code not implemented by your business must be supported by additional Risk Assessments/Hazard Analyses, detailing reasons for exclusion with supporting evidence. This will be reviewed by your auditor at audit.
Action required: review and update the FSQ4 Risk Assessments for persistent chemicals, heavy metals, fertilisers and soil additives, preharvest water; review the risk assessments annually or when changes occur.
F2 Growing site
» Risk Assessments for persistent chemicals and heavy metals moved to F1 Hazard analysis.
» New exclusion periods for livestock and flood events.
» Moved compliance criteria to other relevant Elements, e.g. references to the use of biosolids and untreated fertiliser have been moved to F5 Fertilisers and soil additives; references to equipment maintenance have been moved to F8 Premises, facilities, equipment, tools, packaging and vehicles.
Action required: review and update F2 livestock movement record; update property map.
F3 Planting materials
» Chemicals used on planting materials to be managed in accordance with F4 Chemicals and has been removed from F3.
» For growers who produce their own seedlings/planting materials within the scope of their business. Activities and chemical application is covered under F4 Chemicals.
» If planting materials are externally sourced, to be managed in accordance with F11 Suppliers.
Action required: review supplier requirements for planting materials.
F4 Chemicals
F4 Chemicals remains largely unchanged, although some compliance criteria have been reworded and reordered. New additions to this section include:
» All chemicals purchased are recorded in a chemical inventory.
» Removed requirement for ‘Neighbours are requested to avoid spraying when the risk of contaminating adjacent crops with spray drift is high’.
» Changed term from ‘use’ of chemicals to ‘store, handle, apply and dispose of’ chemicals.
» Reworded requirements for chemical residue test, however required action remains the same.
Action required: complete F4 Chemical inventory; review and update F4 Chemical authorisation record; review and update F4 Preharvest and Postharvest Chemical application records.
F5 Fertilisers and soil additives
» FSQ3 used the term ‘fertilisers and soil additives of organic origin’. In FSQ4, requirements apply to all fertiliser and soil additive inputs, with Risk Assessment – Fertilisers and soil additives determining the appropriate exclusion periods.
» Updated heavy metals limits from ‘low or zero’ to ‘Fertilisers and soil additives comply with heavy metal limits specified in AS4454-2012 Composts, soil conditioners and mulches’. Limits referenced in the FSQ4 Code Appendix.
» Updated Risk Assessment for fertilisers and soil additives determining the exclusion periods between application and crop harvest moved to F1 Hazard analysis.
» Updated exclusion periods between application of fertilisers and soil additives and crop harvest.
» All fertilisers and soil additives used within the exclusion period must be treated to an approved treatment process (a documented, verified treatment process). Accepted evidence of compliance is listed in the FSQ4 Code Appendix.
» Added Compliance Criteria specific to the use of liquid fertilisers (containing untreated or treated fertilisers).
» Removed references already covered in other Elements, e.g. livestock management, equipment maintenance.
Action required: refer to specified heavy metal limits in fertilisers and soil additives referenced in Appendix; review and update F1 Risk assessment - Fertilisers and soil additives; review updated evidence of compliance for treated fertilisers and soil additives now found in FSQ4 Code Appendix; review requirements specific to the use of liquid fertilisers.
F6 Water
» All criteria relating to water and the use of water are now found in F6. FSQ3 referenced water quality for handwashing facilities and cleaning in F8 Facilities, equipment, containers, materials and vehicles, this is now in F6 Water.
» Updated Risk assessment for preharvest water use moved to F1 Hazard analysis.
» Updated exclusion periods between preharvest water use and crop harvest. Testing to verify water quality is not required for water used outside of these exclusions periods.
» Term ‘potable water’ changed to ‘water quality meeting E. coli <1 cfu/100ml’.
» In the event that flood water comes into contact with produce, specified microbial limits are now set.
» Updated specified water limits (from Guidelines) determined by use, e.g. initial wash water vs final contact water, and hand washing facilities.
Action required: review and update F5 Water source record; review F1 Risk Assessment – Preharvest water and maintain records where required; review postharvest water use and the need for water testing and/or treatment to verify water quality meets specified limits; review water used for handwashing facilities and cleaning meets specified requirements.
F7 Allergens
No additions to this section, wording change with the term ‘allergy causing agents’ replaced by ‘allergens’.
Action required: review and update F7 Allergen management plan.
F8 Premises, facilities, equipment, tools, packaging and vehicles
» Element name changed to F8 Premises, facilities, equipment, tools, packaging and vehicles, reordering elements in more logical groupings.
» Elements and compliance criteria regrouped and reordered.
» Tools added as they are commonly overlooked, not considered as equipment.
» Premises added to include the areas surrounding facilities.
» Term ‘potable water’ changed to ‘water quality meeting E. coli <1 cfu/100ml’.
» Changed requirement ‘use disposable paper towels’ to ‘mechanism/s for effective hand drying’.
Freshcare News Issue 27 · Winter 2016 7
» Additional requirements for waste management – containers used, method of disposal, location of disposal sites.
Action required: review and update F8 Facilities audit checklist (if required); review and update F8 Measuring and monitoring equipment register; review and update F8 Preventative maintenance plan; review and update F8 Cleaning plan; update required areas on the Property map; review waste management practices meets specified requirements.
F9 Animals and pests
No major changes to this section, reordering of Code Elements only.
» F9 requirements now extend to growing sites.
Action required: review and update F9 Pest management plan and F9 Pest monitoring record to incorporate growing, packing and storage areas.
F10 People
» Written food safety instructions are provided to workers and visitors and must include specific information as outlined in the FSQ4 Code.
» Compliance with food safety and hygiene requirements in monitored.
» Entry to the property and growing sites is restricted to authorised persons.
Action required: review and update F10 Food safety instructions, ensure they are provided to all workers and available to visitors; review and update signage where required.
F11 Suppliers
Moved from F12 in FSQ3 to F11 in FSQ4 Code.
» Compliance criteria modified to reflect steps to managing suppliers:
1. Identify suppliers of materials and services that may introduce a food safety risk.
2. Manage identified suppliers to ensure they meet the applicable requirements for Freshcare FSQ4, with evidence of compliance kept.
» There are four ways of keeping evidence of compliance for suppliers of materials and services as outlined in the FSQ4 Code.
Action required: review F11 Supplier table; maintain evidence of compliance to supplier requirements; update purchase and inspection records where required.
F12 Food defence and food fraud
New section added to FSQ4 Code.
» Identify potential food defence threats that may impact food safety and what control measures can be implemented – threats include the risk of intentional contamination of raw materials or end product.
» Identify potential vulnerabilities for food fraud that may impact food safety and what control measures can be implemented – vulnerabilities include the potential risk of adulteration, substitution or misrepresentation of raw materials or end product.
Action required: complete F12 Food defence vulnerability assessment and control plan; complete F12 Food vulnerability assessment and control plan.
F13 Product identification and traceability
Moved from F11 in FSQ3 to F13 in FSQ4 Code.
» Product identification and traceability requirements now split from Recall requirements.
» Property map requirement moved to M1 Scope.
» Additional requirement to record the Earliest Harvest Date (EHD) for chemicals, fertiliser and water in consideration of applicable exclusion periods, prior to harvest.
» Additional requirement and Form for businesses who receive produce from other growers, e.g. for packing, grading, etc. to maintain traceability records.
Action required: review and update F13 Harvest and packing record; review and update F13 Supplier traceability (if applicable).
F14 Recall
» Recall requirements now split from Product identification and traceability requirements, moved to F14 in FSQ4 Code.
» No new additions to this section, rewording of requirements only.
Action required: review and update F14 trade level recall form.
New Board Members appointed in 2016The Freshcare Board, Belinda Hazell (Chair), Allan Dall, Annie Farrow and Stefo Radevski, welcomes the addition of two new Board members, Gail Woods and Graham McAlpine in 2016.
Gail Woods, based in Queensland, is the Executive Officer of Fresh Markets Australia with experience in leadership roles with multidisciplinary responsibility across finance and business management functions for membership organisations focused on representation and service delivery to members.
Graham McAlpine, based in Western Australia, is a Sustainable Agriculture Program and Regional Landcare Facilitator at Perth Natural Resource Management, with extensive experience in the development, training and consulting of food safety and environmental systems in the horticultural sector.
Martin Clark, an inaugural member of the Freshcare Board, retired from his Board position this year. We thank Martin for over 16 years of service, guiding Freshcare from its beginnings as a newly established on-farm food safety program with less than a hundred participating businesses, to a widely accepted certification scheme, adopted by over 5000 businesses across Australia. His contribution and support has been invaluable.
8 Freshcare News Issue 27 · Winter 2016
Freshcare Environmental Edition 3 (ENV3)Over the past eighteen months, a review of the Freshcare Environmental Code has taken place in conjunction with the Food Safety & Quality Code review to ensure consistency in upgrades to content, format and resources, and to better align the two Codes where possible, for the increasing number of businesses implementing them in unison.
With a growing number of businesses seeking certification to Freshcare Environmental, the Code review process has also captured existing users’ feedback to ensure elements that required improvement were addressed. This has been achieved in the updates to sections: E1 Environmental action planning, E5 Fertilisers and soil additives, and E6 Water.
Input from industry and stakeholders has seen the inclusion of some new Management elements, and the addition of Biosecurity. The inclusion of E3 Biosecurity requires participants to assess their biosecurity threats on-farm, and establish a Biosecurity Management Program to support industry preparedness in managing biosecurity risk.
What’s New in the Freshcare Code of Practice – Environmental Edition 3? Following is a summary of new inclusions and modifications to the ENV3 Code:
Management
M1 Scope and commitment
» The scope of Freshcare certification is defined by the owner or appropriate senior manager.
» Flowcharts are completed to document the crops and activities for which Freshcare certification is required.
» The organisational structure of the business is documented and must include: workers responsible for the management of environmental compliance; reporting relationships of all workers whose roles may affect environmental compliance.
Action required: complete M1 Scope; update flowcharts; update property map/s; document an organisational chart.
M2 Documentation
» Freshcare Rules have been released and must be kept on file for all future audits.
» All records and documents required to verify compliance are legible and must include: title, date of issue or version number, business name, name of person completing the record and date of completion.
Action required: a copy of the Freshcare Rules and ENV3 Code must be kept; new Form templates are available and include all ENV3 record keeping requirements (upgrade to new ENV3 Forms or amend previous records).
M3 Training
» A management representative completes approved Freshcare Environmental training. Evidence is kept. Those who have already completed Freshcare Environmental training are not required to undertake ENV3 training.
» A review of training is conducted at least annually or when tasks and/or workers change.
Action required: no additional Freshcare ENV training required to transition to ENV3; review workers’ training needs at least annually.
M4 Internal audit and corrective action
» Reoccurrences of non-compliance are reviewed by the owner or appropriate senior manager.
Action required: an internal audit must be conducted when transitioning to the ENV3 Code; internal CARs should be raised when the requirements of ENV3 are not being met; reoccurring non-compliance must be reviewed.
M5 Customer requirements
The addition of M5 Customer requirements was incorporated to take into consideration specific customer or destination market requirements related to specific environmental, sustainable agriculture or greenhouse gas emission practices not covered in the ENV3 Code.
The new requirements in this section include:
» Where a customer requires compliance with specific environmental, sustainable agriculture or greenhouse gas emission practices not covered in the ENV3 Code, a written copy of these practices is kept.
» These practices are complied with and included in M4 Internal audits.
Action required: review customer requirements and maintain with M4 Internal audit records where required.
Environmental
E1 Environmental action planning
» Conduct an assessment of the property and business operations to identify any environmental issues and assess environmental values.
» Evidence of progress towards and/or changes to planned actions in the Environmental Action Plan are kept.
Action required: complete E1 EAP assessment; update and review E1 Environmental Action Plan; maintain evidence of progress and/or changes.
E2 Land and soil
No new additions to this section, minor wording changes were made.
Action required: review and update records if required.
E3 Biosecurity
New section E3 Biosecurity is to support industry, in raising awareness and preparedness for managing biosecurity threats to crops grown.
Freshcare News Issue 27 · Winter 2016 9
The new requirements in this section include:
» Document a Biosecurity Management Program.
» Access to the property and growing sites is restricted to authorised persons.
» Any unusual plant pest, disease or weed identified on the property must be reported to the local department of agriculture or Plant Health Australia.
Action required: document E3 Biosecurity Management Program; establish signage where required; have contact details for the local department of agriculture and Plant Health Australia on file.
E4 Chemicals
The Chemical section has been moved from E3 to E4 in ENV3 to align Code numbering with FSQ4.
Some new additions to this section include:
» All chemicals purchased are recorded in a chemical inventory.
» Workers authorised to store, handle, apply and/or dispose of chemicals are trained in practices that minimise the risk of environmental contamination from chemicals, and in actions to be taken in the event of chemical spill, leakage or spray drift.
» Chemical application records must now include withholding period (WHP) or earliest harvest date (EHD) to align with FSQ4 Code requirements.
Action required: complete E4 Chemical inventory; complete E4 Spill response procedure; review and update Chemical authorisation record; review and update Preharvest and Postharvest Chemical application records.
E5 Fertilisers and soil additives
The Fertilisers and soil additives section has been moved from E4 to E5 in ENV3 to align Code numbering with FSQ4.
» Fertilisers and soil additives used meet heavy metal limits specified in AS4454 Composts, soil conditioners and mulches.
Action required: refer to specified heavy metal limits in fertilisers and soil additives referenced in Appendix; review and update E5 Fertiliser and soil additive application record.
E6 Water
The Water section has been moved from E5 to E6 in ENV3 to align Code numbering with FSQ4.
» Removed requirement for irrigation records to be kept for each crop, as the Water Management Program captures: water resources available, crop water requirements, water budget, irrigation method, irrigation program including justification and schedule, and contingency plans if water resources are unavailable.
Action required: review and update E6 Water Management Program.
E7 Biodiversity
The Biodiversity section has been moved from E6 to E7 in ENV3.
» Biodiversity protection and improvement strategies are developed with consideration of regional biodiversity priorities.
Action required: review and update E7 Biodiversity Management Program; review regional biodiversity priorities.
E8 Waste
The Waste section has been moved from E7 to E8 in ENV3.
Some modified elemetns include:
» Waste that cannot be avoided, reused or recycled, is disposed of in approved off-site facilities.
» Records of waste transport and disposal of controlled wastes are kept.
» All waste stored onsite is managed to minimise the risk of contaminating onsite and off-site areas.
With the addition of new element:
» Raw material inputs, size, quantity/weight, the potential for reuse or recycling, and the residual waste product must be considered in the selection of input materials.
Action required: review and update E8 Waste Management Program; review storage of waste on farm; review input materials.
E9 Air
The Air section has been moved from E8 to E9 in ENV3.
No new additions to this section.
Action required: review and update E9 Air Quality Management Program
E10 Energy and fuel
The Energy and Fuel section has been merged into E10 in ENV3, previously E9 Energy and E10 Fuel.
No new additions to this section.
Action required: update electricity and fuel consumption review; review and update E10 Service and maintenance record.
Vale – Reg Johns and Duane Leadbetter Over the last 12 months, Freshcare has lost two of our most experienced and long standing auditors.
Reg Johns (Sci Qual International Pty Ltd)
Reg passed away in May 2015. Reg was one of Sci Qual’s first Freshcare auditors, involved in the program for over 10 years. His practical and empathetic approach to auditing endeared him to all who knew him and worked with him.
Duane Leadbetter (AUS-QUAL Pty Ltd)
Duane passed away in February 2016. Involved in Freshcare from the very beginning, Duane was one of Freshcare’s longest serving, most experienced auditors and well liked. For many, Duane was the face of Freshcare auditing – taking a leading role as the “real life auditor” in the 2007 Freshcare training movie “Freshwise”. Always happy to chat, Freshwise gave Duane the opportunity to spread the Freshcare message in film as well as on ground.
Reg and Duane’s contribution to and support of the Freshcare program was significant and they are both very sadly missed.
10 Freshcare News Issue 27 · Winter 2016
Freshcare Codes for the Australian Wine IndustryThe Freshcare Environmental Viticulture and Freshcare Environmental Winery Codes of Practice have been adopted by the Australian wine industry as underpinning Certification for Entwine Australia. Following the review of the Freshcare Environmental Code, the Freshcare Codes for the Wine Industry will be reviewed and updated later this year for release in 2017. Wine Industry members currently participating in Freshcare can continue to operate to the current 2nd Edition Environmental Viticulture and Winery Codes.
The management of Entwine Australia is now undertaken by The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI), and new program developments are being rolled out. Freshcare continues to work closely with AWRI, providing across industry certification and resources.
An update on Entwine Australia
Entwine Australia is the Australian wine industry’s sustainability program – set up to support growers and winemakers in demonstrating and improving the sustainability of their businesses. Entwine is as an ‘umbrella’ sustainability program. Under the Entwine umbrella there are two components for members – the reporting of sustainability metrics to the AWRI and participation in an approved certification program such as Freshcare Environmental Viticulture and Freshcare Environmental Winery.
Entwine provides credentials which cover the fundamental components of sustainability (environmental, social and economic) and can be applied to both the vineyard and winery. The program provides benchmarking tools and resources to enable planning, evaluation, control and communication. Entwine is a voluntary program designed with flexibility to suit the changing goals and needs of all Australian grape and wine producers and provides information for wine industry research, development and extension activities and can be used by members for benchmarking.
Entwine Australia draws on the knowledge of an AWRI team with more than 90 years of combined wine industry experience. Dr Mardi Longbottom leads the program with support from viticulturists Dr Paul Petrie and Marcel Essling and oenologists Matt Holdstock, Geoff Cowey and Adrian Coulter.
More information on Entwine can be found here: http://www.awri.com.au/industry_support/entwine/
Developments on the update of Freshcare Codes of Practice for the Wine Industry will
be provided in the next Freshcare Newsletter.
Freshcare eLearning – providing remote access to Freshcare trainingThe Freshcare eLearning platform has been developed and will be launched in mid-2016 with training to Freshcare Food Safety & Quality Edition 4.
The Freshcare eLearning platform provides online access to training for remote growers who are unable to access group or one-on-one training with a Freshcare trainer; or for growers who would prefer to complete training online within their own timeframe.
The Freshcare eLearning platform provides participants with easy online access to course materials, form templates and worked examples.
The Freshcare Food Safety & Quality training course to Edition 4 is the first to be offered on the Freshcare eLearning platform. Course materials are set out in alignment with the sections of the FSQ4 Code. Interactive modules, quizzes and video snippets help deliver learning outcomes as modules are completed.
A Freshcare Environmental training course for Freshcare eLearning is currently under development and will be available in late 2016.
Freshcare eLearning will also support blended learning options in all regions, combining online theory with farm implementation support.
For more information on Freshcare eLearning visit www.freshcare.com.au/elearning
Freshcare News Issue 27 · Winter 2016 11
Contact Us1300 853 508
02 8004 0732
freshcare.com.au
PO Box 247Sydney Markets NSW 2129
Clare Hamilton-Bate Executive Officer
Jacinta Fong Program Coordinator – Food Safety & Quality
Angela Steain Program Coordinator – Environmental
Katie Lau Administration Officer
Natalie Torossian Administration Support
How to obtain the Freshcare FSQ4 and ENV3 manual resourcesTo update your Freshcare system, the Food Safety & Quality Edition 4 (FSQ4) and Environmental Edition 3 (ENV3) manual resources can be downloaded from FreshcareOnline for Growers, or purchased in hardcopy (contents only) from June 2016. The manual resources include:
» Freshcare Rules
» Code of Practice
» Forms
» Resources, including:· Freshcare Factsheets for FSQ4 and ENV3 resources· Guidelines for Fresh Produce Safety for FSQ4 resources
Downloading from FreshcareOnline (free of charge) 1. Visit www.freshcare.com.au and click FreshcareOnline Login at the top.
2. Log onto FreshcareOnline (please contact our office if you are unsure of your logon details).
3. Click on Select at the top.
4. Click on Resources in the drop-down menu.
5. Click on the Arrow icon next to the relevant Code.
6. Click on the green links to download each document.
Purchasing a copyFrom June 2016, copies of the FSQ4 or ENV3 manual resources can be purchased online via our website www.freshcare.com.au. Alternatively, you can pre-order a copy by completing and return the form below with payment to the Freshcare Office via email [email protected], fax 02 8004 0732 or mail PO Box 247, Sydney Markets, NSW 2129.
Note: Manual resources are provided without the binder to reduce postage charges and binder breakage issues.
Business Name:
Contact Name: Contact Number:
Delivery Address:
Item Details Cost (incl. GST) Quantity Total Cost
Manual Resources
Freshcare Food Safety & Quality Edition 4 $66.00
Freshcare Environmental Edition 3 $66.00
Postage1-3 manual resources $15.00
4 or more manual resources $30.00
TOTAL AMOUNT TO BE PAID (incl. GST)
Please provide payment details for your manual order:
CHEQUE/MONEY ORDER – Please attach cheque/money order payable to Freshcare Ltd.
EFT PAYMENT – Please contact the Freshcare office on 1300 853 508 for bank details.
CREDIT CARD PAYMENT Visa MasterCard to be charged for total $_________________
Card Number: __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ Expiry Date: __ __ / __ __
Card Holder Name: ______________________________________ Signature:_________________________________________
Freshcare Manual Resources Order Form
Note: Orders will be posted out in June 2016. Manual resources are provided without the binder to reduce postage charges and binder breakage issues.
$82.50*
*4 January 2017: Following a recent review of manual prices, the price of Freshcare Food Safety & Quality Edition 4 Manuals have been increased to cover unexpected costs of printing, packaging, postage and handling of the new manuals.
