Two projects to tackle fresh produce safety
‘Understanding the Gaps: A Food Safety Literature Review’ will look at literature surrounding microbial contamination of fresh produce and interaction of sanitisers and fungicides when used postharvest.
The review will provide the fresh produce industry with information to improve food safety best practice and reduce the opportunity for foodborne illness.
‘Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety’ will revise the guidelines for on-farm food safety for fresh produce by extending it to post-farm activities.
Industry stakeholders have long sought a revision, as the last review came in 2004, said the centre.
The ‘Understanding the Gaps’ report will be released mid-year, while the revised guidelines will be launched in the third quarter of 2015.
Michael Worthington, Fresh Produce Safety Centre chairman, said the companies and industry organisations supporting the projects know that food safety is paramount.
“The Fresh Produce Safety Centre has been established by industry to enhance fresh produce safety throughout Australia and New Zealand: with these projects, we will deliver the resources that industry has identified as top priorities.”
