FSANZ reviewing standards for 'high-risk' horticulture

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for feedback on a proposal to develop new standards for ‘high-risk’ horticulture. The proposal will consider production and processing activities in three sectors: leafy vegetables, melons and berries, as there are currently no national regulatory food safety requirements applied to them.

FSANZ will determine if the standards for sprouts and ready-to-eat minimally processed fruits and vegetables need further consideration in future work on the review of Chapters 3 and 4. The first of two public rounds of consultation will seek information from stakeholders to help FSANZ better understand high-risk sectors and whether a regulatory approach is needed.

“The vast majority of horticultural produce in Australia is safe and healthy; however, outbreaks linked to particular produce sectors continue to occur. At the request of ministers responsible for food regulation, FSANZ is reassessing the need to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) to enact a primary production and processing standard to manage food safety for high-risk horticulture,” said Mark Booth, FSANZ Chief Executive Officer.

A Standard Development Advisory Group, with representatives from industry peak bodies and government regulators, is also in the process of being established. The period for comment will close at 6 pm on 18 March 2020.

Further information on the proposal can be downloaded here.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/bigacis