HARPS Newsletter JuNE 2026 Edition

 

Welcome to the June edition of the HARPS Newsletter.

 

In this edition, you will find:

 

 

Be Audit Ready – Updated HARPS Internal Audit Checklist Available

One of the most effective ways to achieve a successful HARPS audit is to ensure your business is audit-ready well before the auditor arrives on site.

Businesses that regularly review their systems, records and operational practices against HARPS requirements are often better positioned to demonstrate compliance during the audit. This preparation can help reduce the number of corrective actions raised, minimise time spent addressing findings after the audit, and provide greater confidence that food safety and quality systems are operating effectively.

To support suppliers in preparing for their audits, HARPS has updated the HARPS Internal Audit Checklist. The checklist has been designed as a practical self-assessment tool to help businesses review their compliance against HARPS requirements prior to their certification audit.

Importantly, the updated version now includes the blanket exemptions that have been approved by participating retailers, helping to ensure suppliers have access to the most current audit expectations when conducting their internal reviews.

We encourage all suppliers to utilise the checklist as part of their ongoing compliance program and in the lead-up to their next HARPS audit.

Access the updated HARPS Internal Audit Checklist HERE

A small investment of time before your audit can help identify and address issues early, resulting in a smoother audit process and fewer corrective actions on the day.

Reducing CARs – A Focus on Element 12.2

In the HARPS Version 2.0 Top 10 CAR Review Report for FY24, Element 12.2 – Chemical Residue Testing of All Agricultural Products was identified as the second most frequently raised Corrective Action Request (CAR) across the HARPS Program. This highlights that many suppliers continue to experience challenges in demonstrating compliance with this important requirement.

What does Element 12.2 require?

HARPS Element 12.2 states:

“Chemical residue testing of produce destined for sale to the Customer shall be undertaken against Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) as detailed in the Food Standards Code.

MRL testing must be conducted for all agricultural products applied to produce.”

Plan Your Testing Early

A common reason for non-conformance to Element 12.2 is that residue testing has not been completed before the audit takes place, and results are therefore unavailable for the auditor to review.

Best practice is to establish your residue testing program early in the season and determine sampling timing based on the risks associated with your crop, chemical use program, and harvest activities. While testing should be representative of the produce being marketed, it is equally important that sufficient time is allowed for sample collection, laboratory analysis, and receipt of results prior to your audit.

Laboratory turnaround times can vary, particularly during peak harvest periods. If testing is left until immediately before an audit, results may not be available when requested, potentially resulting in a non-conformance.

To avoid unnecessary CARs:

  • Develop your residue testing plan early in the season.
  • Consider when sampling should occur to best represent residue risks for the crop.
  • Discuss testing requirements and laboratory scope with your testing provider before sampling.
  • Allow sufficient time for sample analysis and reporting prior to your audit. This should include time to review the results, verify compliance against applicable MRLs, and, where necessary, investigate and undertake additional testing if unexpected results are identified. *
  • Ensure final reports are available and ready for auditor review.
  • Verify that testing has been conducted against the applicable MRL requirements.

* Remember that Element 12.3 requires suppliers to notify all impacted customers that have received the affected batch within 60 minutes where microbiological, chemical residue or heavy metal testing identifies a breach of legal limits or Retail Customer requirements. Customer notification is triggered by the initial result and must not be postponed while awaiting repeat testing or confirmatory analysis.

Does Your Test Cover All Chemicals Applied?

One of the most common reasons for non-conformance is the assumption that a standard multi-screen residue test automatically covers every chemical used during production. This is often not the case.

Residue testing programs should be designed to verify all relevant agricultural chemicals applied to the crop, including any post-harvest treatments where applicable. While multi-screen residue tests cover a broad range of chemicals, some agricultural products require separate analytical methods and may not be included in standard testing packages.

For example, commonly used fungicides containing mancozeb (dithiocarbamates) are frequently not included in standard multi-screen testing and may require separate targeted analysis.

Suppliers should compare spray diaries, chemical application records, and post-harvest treatment records against the laboratory’s testing scope to confirm that all relevant chemicals are covered by the testing program.

Key Takeaway

Before your next audit, ask yourself:

  • Have residue tests been completed for the current production season?
  • Are the results available and ready for auditor review?
  • Has sufficient time been allowed to review results and undertake any necessary investigations or retesting?
  • Does the testing represent the residue risks associated with my crop and production practices?
  • Do the tests cover all chemicals applied to the crop, including any post-harvest treatments?

By planning your residue testing program early, selecting appropriate sampling times, and ensuring complete chemical coverage, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of receiving a non-conformance against Element 12.2.

Additional Guidance Available

Suppliers seeking further information on developing an effective residue testing program are encouraged to review Chapter 18 Testing of the Fundamental Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety 2025. This chapter provides practical guidance on establishing risk-based residue monitoring programs, determining testing frequency, selecting laboratories, and interpreting results.

The Guidelines can be accessed here:

https://fpsc-anz.com/fundamental-guidelines-for-fresh-produce-food-safety/

Hort Innovation is Seeking Growers

Hort Innovation Membership is not automatic but is free.

Sign up today to receive Hort Innovation Membership benefits:

     Voting rights for levy payers: Hort Innovation has made it easier to get voting

rights. The Annual Levy Return form has been simplified for levy payers applying for

one voting right – checkbox to verify more than $200 levies paid in last financial year.

     Pre-registration to Hort IQ: Pre-registration to consumer insights, recordings, and resources.

     Event ticket offers: Exclusive free ticket offers to Hort Innovation sponsored and

partner events.

     Other Membership offers: Exclusive early-access information, Member webinars,

trials/research collaboration, promotional opportunities, and more.

     Dedicated contact: Having an experienced and dedicated Membership Manager

ensures that engagement with Hort Innovation is positive, all enquiries are

answered, and that Members feel supported.

For more information, contact membership@horticulture.com.au or sign up here:

https://hort.powerappsportals.com/membership-application/

Turn Evidence into Action at IFPSS26

The International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium returns to Sydney on 21–22 July 2026, bringing together growers, packers, regulators, researchers and food safety professionals from across Australia, New Zealand and beyond.

This year’s theme, “Evidence to Action”, will see delegates exploring how science, technology, regulation and practical experience can be translated into real-world food safety outcomes. The programme features international keynote speakers Dr Betsy Bihn (Produce Safety Alliance, USA) and D’Arcie Rice (British Leafy Salads Association, UK), alongside leading experts including Dr SP Singh, Dr Craig Shadbolt, Ray Haddad, Dr Lina Ashmore and many more.

With practical case studies, industry insights, interactive discussions and networking opportunities, IFPSS26 is the must-attend fresh produce food safety event of the year.

Secure your ticket today at www.ifpss.com.au

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.