HARPS Newsletter April 2025 Edition

 

Welcome to the April edition of the HARPS Newsletter.

 

In this edition, you will find:

    Managing Fresh Produce After Flooding

    With recent weather events impacting fresh produce supply chains, it’s essential to consider the risks associated with floodwater contamination. HARPS defines floodwater as “water that washes over growing sites from an unintended overflow of a water source beyond its normal limits.”

     

    HARPS Version 2.0 outlines key requirements under Element 13.6 – Management of Crops After Flooding, which states that “Produce that comes into contact with floodwater shall not be sold to Retail Customers.”

     

    Produce that has direct or indirect contact with floodwater (e.g., via splashing) poses a significant risk to consumer health as it may be contaminated with human pathogens.

     

    To support industry in managing these risks, the Fresh Produce Safety Centre (FPSC) has compiled valuable resources on floods and food safety. These resources provide guidance on best practices for assessing and responding to contamination risks.

     

    Access FPSC Flood and Food Safety Resources Here

    Access NSW DPI Fresh Produce Safety and Traceability Resources Here

    We encourage all stakeholders to review these materials and ensure compliance with HARPS requirements when dealing with flood-affected crops.

    HARPS Standard V2.0 Top 10 CAR Review Report for Suppliers

    HARPS has conducted a detailed review of the ten most frequently raised Corrective Action Requests (CARs) under HARPS Version 2.0, covering the period from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.

     

    The Top 10 HARPS V2.0 Non-Conformances identified during this period are outlined in the following table:

     

    Through this analysis, HARPS aimed to uncover trends, determine root causes of non-compliance, and provide actionable recommendations to support ongoing improvements across the fresh produce supply chain.

     

    Key objectives of this report include:

    • Understanding reasons for non-compliance within the top 10 raised HARPS CARs.
    • Identifying common compliance challenges faced by suppliers.
    • Highlighting areas requiring greater clarity or additional support within the HARPS framework.

    The HARPS Standard V2.0 Top 10 CAR Review Report can be accessed here:

    HARPS Element 13.3 (Treatment of Manure) Exemption Application Update

    Businesses that purchase treated manure must source it from a company certified under AS4454 – Composts, Soil Conditioners and Mulches (or an international equivalent).

    HARPS recognises that many businesses produce compost that is not currently certified to AS4454. In the December HARPS Newsletter, we announced the launch of an Exemption Process for Element 13.3 to address this.

     

    Compost producers who have successfully applied for and received an exemption have been issued a HARPS Approved Exemption Record. HARPS suppliers sourcing manure from these exempted producers must retain a copy of the Approved Exemption Record as part of their Approved Supplier Program, to demonstrate compliance with Element 13.3. This record can also be presented to HARPS auditors as supporting evidence of compliance.

     

    Additionally, HARPS will maintain a Register of Suppliers Exempt from Element 13.3 for those who have opted to be listed.

    Access the HARPS Exempt Supplier Register Here

     

    FREE Fresh Produce Food Safety Helpdesk – a Hort Frontiers Funded Initiative:

    The Fresh Produce Food Safety Helpdesk is a free resource to address food safety inquiries from growers. The Helpdesk includes an online chat, email support, and a mobile line, with a set of FAQs covering frequently raised topics such as regulatory standards, testing procedures, and best practices in produce safety.  Whether you have a question about food safety standards, need compliance advice, or require guidance on where to find the right support or information, the Helpdesk is designed to assist you with all your needs.

    Find the FREE Help Desk here

     

    Email: helpdesk@fpsc-anz.com

    Phone: +61 407 814 730

    Web: www.fpsc-anz.com

     

     

    Want to have your say? Complete the HARPS Survey!

    Since the release of the HARPS standard in 2016, the delivery, accuracy, and consistency of audits, as well as the cost of auditing, have been topics of significant discussion within the industry. To gain deeper insights into these concerns and improve the audit experience for growers and suppliers, the HARPS Retailer Committee has initiated post-audit surveys to collect valuable feedback.

    After completing your audit, you will receive an email containing a survey link along with your HARPS Certificate and final audit report. We encourage you to use this link to share your feedback. Alternatively, you can provide your thoughts by clicking here.