HARPS Newsletter July 2025 Edition

 

Welcome to the July edition of the HARPS Newsletter.

 

In this edition, you will find:

    Changing Certification Body

     

    If your business is currently approved or has been previously approved by HARPS and you are looking to change your Certification Body to another, you must formally request the transfer with HARPS. This must be done by completing the Certification Body Request Form, which can be found [here].

    Upon receipt, HARPS will confirm the transfer with the proposed Certification Body and contact the outgoing Certification Body to verify the transfer.

    To avoid delays in the transfer process, applicants are advised to allow a minimum of five (5) business days for processing.

    HARPS audits with the new Certification Body must not be scheduled or conducted until the transfer process is fully complete.

    Appendix 2: HARPS Approved Certification Bodies (for Tier 1 and 2 Suppliers) and Contact Details identifies which approved Certification Bodies your business can work with.

    HARPS Audit Royalty Fee – 2026 Financial Year Update

    We would like to inform you that the HARPS Audit Royalty Fee has again remained unchanged for the 2026 financial year. You can view the current fee and further details on our website by clicking [here].

    While a fee increase had been scheduled—based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustments, which is a measure of inflation —retailers have chosen to absorb this cost.

    If you have any questions or would like further clarification, please feel free to reach out to us.

    Free Access to the CQA Webinar Recording – STEC Contamination of Leafy Vegetables and Risk Management

    Intertek SAI Global and the Coles Quality Academy (CQA) held a webinar on the 19th of May, 2025 on “Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) contamination of leafy vegetables and risk management.”

    The webinar by Dr. SP Singh – Senior Research Scientist – Fresh Produce Safety and Traceability – NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development; shares key findings from the Safe Leafy Veg R&D Program. This includes strategies for mitigating microbial risk, alongside a risk-based approach to microbiological testing.

    Click on the following link for free access to the recording [Play Recording] 

     

    See you at the 2025 International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium!

    Dates: Tuesday 29 & Wednesday 30 July, 2025
    Location: Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach, Australia

    This year’s theme, “Innovate. Adapt. Secure.” brings together global experts, food safety professionals, growers, retailers and regulators for two days of practical insights, real-world case studies, and cutting-edge strategies on food safety, assurance, AI and AgTech, and evolving regulatory expectations across the fresh produce value chain.

     

    International crop scientist Professor Jim Monaghan, together with an amazing line up of experts, will explore solutions from pathogen control to traceability and adaptive risk management.

     

    Your ticket includes:

    • Full two-day delegate access
    • All keynote, panel and technical sessions
    • Networking Drinks Event (29 July)
    • Access to trade exhibition
    • Introduction of the 2025 Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety

    One day tickets are also available. This is an unmissable opportunity to connect with thought leaders, strengthen your assurance practices, and lead from the front in food safety excellence.

    Book now at www.ifpss.com.au

     

    The Fresh Produce Safety Centre has launched a podcast titled The Fresh & Safe Podcast.
    This six-part series explores the FPSC’s journey, the Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety, emerging regulations, real-world case studies, and global food safety trends. Whether the listener is a grower, service provider, or part of the broader food safety ecosystem, the podcast provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of fresh produce food safety across New Zealand and Australia.

    The podcast is available on all major platforms and on YouTube. Simply search for “The Fresh & Safe Podcast”.

    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.