🌱 As we close out the year, I would like to thank you for partnering with us, for supporting our work, and for your commitment to improving food safety outcomes in the fresh produce industry. Together we have achieved some major milestones, navigated challenges and embraced many opportunities which position us strongly as we head into 2026.
The launch of the Fundamental Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety and accompanying Quick Guides has been a highlight of the year.
They have been welcomed by growers and stakeholders alike who are promoting them widely and already incorporating them into their daily operations. I’d like to extend a huge thanks to everyone who has contributed to this review whether by sharing your expertise, providing funding, raising awareness, or sharing the new version across industry.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the continued implementation of the Horticulture Food Safety Initiative project which supports development and dissemination of food safety resources as well as the adoption of good practice. There are many opportunities for FPSC including food safety resource development, research & innovation, extension, engagement, and collaboration which support production and supply of safe produce. We are currently planning for the year ahead so please reach out to me if you have any ideas, risks or opportunities you’d like us to consider.
Thank you for being an integral part of our journey as well as your continued participation and partnership.
Kind regards,
Damien Farrelly
CEO, Fresh Produce Safety Centre
ceo@fpsc-anz.com
+64 27 536 8063
In this issue:
Belinda Millard and Glen Neal join FPSC board
Annual Engagement Survey
Launch of updated Fundamental Guidelines & Quick Guides
The International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium 21-22 July 2026
Belinda Millard and Glen Neal join FPSC Board
Belinda Millard joins the board as IFPA appointed director replacing Belinda Wilson, who has stepped down to focus on her role as CEO of IFPA. Belinda brings extensive food safety expertise across the fresh produce industry, with experience spanning retail and broader industry roles. Her leadership and strategic insight will be a great asset as we continue to deliver on our mission to strengthen food safety in fresh produce.
Glen Neal has been elected to the board as a New Zealand director. Glen has over 30 years of experience in food regulation, including 8 years in senior leadership at Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) as General Manager, Risk Management and Intelligence until 2024. Glen has a vast global network of regulators, government officials, and food industry professionals across New Zealand, Australia, and beyond which will be a huge asset to the governance and strategic direction of the FPSC.
Help us, help you! Take part in our annual engagement survey
Each year, FPSC conducts an engagement survey to gain a better understanding of the food safety communication and outreach needs of the fresh produce industry. Your insights help us understand where the industry needs support and helps shape our work over the next 12 months. The survey takes just 10 minutes to complete and we'd appreciate your time in completing it by Wednesday 24th December 2025.
Launch of the updated Fundamental Guidelines & Quick Guides
We are thrilled to have recently launched the revised Fundamental Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety and complementary Quick Guides, now available to download FREE from the FPSC website. New content includes chapters on 'Managing Critical Incidents and Recalls' and 'Food Safety Culture', new appendices 'Food Safety Regulations and Assurance Programmes' and 'The Use and Significance of Faecal Indicator Bacteria', enhanced guidance on water quality criteria and microbial testing protocols, updated content and layout for improved usability, and refreshed images, figures and decision trees. READ MORE.
The past few months have been full of activity across the Horticulture Food Safety Initiative, with strong industry engagement and plenty of momentum behind our outreach work. Our Community of Practice has grown, new sub-groups are up and running, and we’ve been out on the road connecting with growers, researchers and industry partners across Australia and New Zealand. From AgTech showcases to food safety forums and sector-specific training, each event has strengthened our shared focus on safer fresh produce. Click the READ MORE button to find out more about:
Episodes 4 & 5 were both recorded live at the 2025 International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium and are streaming now!
Episode 4 features Professor Jim Monaghan, Professor Phil Bremer and Ben Hoodless sharing insights into the future of produce safety, while Episode 4 features Freshmark's Meegan George and Fresh Markets Australia's Gail Woods discussing the people and processes shaping the future of produce safety in Australia and New Zealand. Both episodes are ready to listen to on Spotify or Apple, or watch on YouTube.
The Fresh & Safe Podcast is a six-part series that explores the FPSC’s journey, the Fundamental Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety, emerging regulations, real-world case studies, and global food safety trends. Whether you’re a grower, service provider or part of the broader food safety ecosystem, join us as we navigate the evolving landscape of fresh produce food safety in Australia and New Zealand.
Mark your calendar! The International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium returns in 2026
Mark your calendars for the return of the fresh produce industries premier global event on Tuesday 21 & Wednesday 22 July 2026! The Novotel Sydney International Airport hotel will be our new host, offering spacious conferencing & networking facilities and modern, affordable accommodation – all conveniently located a stone’s throw from Sydney airport.
Our programme theme is currently being developed and an expression of interest for speakers will be announced soon.
We are excited to introduce a new structure to the trade exhibition. Gold, Silver and Bronze packages offer inclusion to suit your budget, with Gold exhibitors having the opportunity to promote their business in a ‘60 Second Spotlight’. Our sponsorship and exhibition prospectus is available now, click the button below to visit the FPSC website and download the current prospectus or contact Jody Sharpe at events@fpsc-anz.com for more information.
Fact Sheet – Foreign Object Contamination of Fresh Produce 2021 > More
Fact Sheet – Impact of Animals on the Risk of Foodborne Illnesses in Fresh Produce 2021 > More
Fact Sheet – Reducing Listeria Contamination from Salad Vegetables 2021 > More
Innovation Agenda Rapid Diagnostic Methods for Foodborne Pathogens: Outlook for the Fresh Produce Industry (Summary) 2021 > More
Innovation Agenda Rapid Diagnostic Methods for Foodborne Pathogens: Outlook for the Fresh Produce Industry (Full Report) 2021 > More
Factsheet – Reducing Food Safety Risks From Pre-harvest Water 2020 > More
Reducing Food Safety Risks From Pre-harvest Water 2020 > More
Innovation Agenda Review of the Audit Process (Summary) 2020 > More
Innovation Agenda Review of the Audit Process (Full Report) 2020 > More
Prepare and prevent fresh produce tampering > More
Fresh Produce Safety Centre - Australia & New Zealand, Building F22, Room 517, Level 5, City Road, Life Earth & Environmental Sciences Building, The University of Sydney, NEW 2006, Australia, +64 27 620 2729
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