HARPS Newsletter September 2025 Edition

 

Welcome to the September edition of the HARPS Newsletter.

 

In this edition, you will find:

    Update to the HARPS Scheme Rules

    The HARPS Scheme Rules have recently been updated. A copy of the HARPS Standard Version 2.0 Scheme Rules – Revision 1.0 can be accessed [here] and will also be available on the HARPS website.

    The Scheme Rules outline the framework for how the HARPS Program operates, including the roles and responsibilities of suppliers, Certification Bodies, and retailers. They are important because they provide clarity and consistency across the program, helping to maintain transparency, accountability, and strong food safety outcomes.

    These updates reflect industry feedback, changes in retailer and regulatory expectations, and are designed to further strengthen the integrity of the HARPS Program.

    Suppliers are encouraged to review the updated Scheme Rules to ensure they are familiar with the requirements. A document summarising the changes to the scheme rules can be found here.

    Update to HARPS Version 2.0 – Element 14.11 – Test masses are now permitted to be certified every 5 years

     

    HARPS requested the Stakeholder Working Group to consider a blanket exemption for Element 14.11 of the HARPS Standard, relating to the certification period for certified test weights.

     

    This request was approved and communicated to all Certification Bodies on 26th September 2025. As a result, the existing requirement:

     

    “shall be externally tested and certified at a frequency recommended by the certifier. If no recommendations have been made, this shall take place annually.”

     

    has been replaced with:

     

    “shall be externally tested and certified every 5 years, provided the test weights are intact and in good condition.”

     

    This change has been introduced to reduce unnecessary costs for growers while maintaining food safety and compliance. Test weights are considered low risk and therefore a 5-year certification cycle is sufficient, provided they are properly maintained.

     

    What this means for suppliers:

    • Test weights must remain intact and in good condition, meaning they must be:
      • Free from dents, cracks, chips, warping, or surface wear.
      • Free from corrosion or contamination.
    • Test weights must be available at the time of audit for physical inspection.
    • If a test weight is damaged or in poor condition, the exemption does not apply. The weight must then be recertified immediately or replaced.

     

    This exemption to Element 14.11 has been formally recorded in the HARPS Blanket Exemption Register, which can be accessed on the HARPS website by clicking [here].

    Definition of “Pre-Packed Produce” in relation to HARPS Element 14.11

     

    Did You Know? 💡

     

    HARPS Element 14.11 requires that a master trade measurement scale is in use when pre-packing fresh produce.

     

    But what exactly counts as pre-packed produce?

     

    👉 Pre-packed produce refers to fresh fruit, vegetables, or whole shell nuts that have been packed into its final packaging prior to retail sale. This includes packaging items such as punnets, sealed bags, clamshell containers, sleeved, tagged and bunched produce that are ready for sale without further handling and are accompanied by a weight, count, or measure on the label or packaging. It does not include loose or bulk produce.

     

    Clarification Around Element 12.2 Chemical Residue Testing

    What does HARPS Element 12.2 require?

    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.

     

    What does HARPS Guidance Material state about Element 12.2?

    All chemicals used in the production of a crop, pre- and post-harvest will likely leave a residue on or in the product. It is therefore important to check that none of these chemicals exceed the allowed limits.

    Any further decrease in chemical residues after packing and storage is going to be minimal. However, some chemicals may increase from post-harvest treatments including from quarantine treatments, slow-release sulphur pads and fungicide dips, among others. Therefore, testing before packing, after packing or before delivery to the retailer may be required, depending on the product and when treatments are applied. This needs to be documented in the testing program.

    The Australian legal requirements for food, and therefore produce, Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) are stated in the Food Standards Code Schedule 20. The portion of the food to be tested is listed in Schedule 22. Additionally, Extraneous Residue Levels (ERLs) exist for persistent chemicals that may be still present in the environment after use was no longer permitted and are listed in Schedule 21. For reference, heavy metal limits are found in Schedule 19. The Food Standard Code Schedules can be found at https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/code/Pages/default.aspx.

    Common multi-screen chemical tests cover a range of persistent and currently permitted chemicals. However, many agricultural chemicals are not covered in these screens because they require different test methods. Therefore, the Supplier must check that all chemicals applied to produce are included in the multi-screens. If not, the Supplier must ask for additional tests to be carried out to include all additional chemicals used in that season.

    Testing must be carried out at a frequency that meets the requirements of the GFSI Scheme, HARPS standard and any additional Retail Customer requirements.

    HARPS require testing of products once per season or year from each grower, that is, the Supplier’s own product as well as product supplied by other growers must be tested. As different chemicals are used on different crops and production areas, chemical tests must be conducted for each crop and different production areas. A Tier 1 Supplier may review and keep test results from their Tier 2 Suppliers on file rather than conducting these tests in addition to the Tier 2 Suppliers.

     

    Understanding Test Limitations and Spray Diary Alignment

    HARPS reminds suppliers to be aware of the limitations of chemical residue testing. Multi-screen tests do not detect every agricultural chemical—for example, dithiocarbamates often need separate, targeted testing. Suppliers should check their test requirements against their spray diaries to ensure all possible residues are covered.

    We recommend contacting your laboratory early in the harvest period to plan testing and avoid delays, ensuring you are fully audit-ready.

     

    Additional References

    Important Reminder: HARPS Audits During the Holiday Season

    As the festive season approaches, HARPS would like to share some important reminders to help suppliers in managing their upcoming audit effectively. We understand that scheduling can be challenging, particularly where harvest cycles and unpredictable weather impact seasonal produce.

    To support suppliers in maintaining smooth audit processes, please take note of the following reminders:

    • Harvest Season Adjustments and Extensions
      We recognise the dynamic nature of harvest seasons. If you require any adjustments or extensions to your audit schedule, please contact both your Certification Body and the HARPS team. Please note that a GFSI base scheme audit extension does not automatically extend your HARPS audit — separate applications must be submitted for both.”
    • Changing Your Certification Body
      Suppliers seeking to select or change their Certification Body are encouraged to consult Appendix 2: HARPS Approved Certification Bodies (for Tier 1 and 2 Suppliers) and Contact Details. This document lists the approved Certification Bodies your business can work with and is available on the HARPS website.

    If your business is planning to change its nominated Certification Body, the application should be submitted well ahead of your next scheduled audit. Allowing at least three months ensures a smooth transition and minimises any risk of disruption to certification.

    HARPS appreciates the effort suppliers dedicate to maintaining certification during this busy time of year.

    Navigating food safety?
    The FPSC Help Desk can guide you.

    The Fresh Produce Food Safety Help Desk is a dedicated support hub for navigating the complexities of food safety in the fresh produce sector, and it’s FREE!  

    Whether you’re a grower, packer, or supply chain partner, especially if you’re a small to medium-sized business, non-certified or speak English as a second language, this service was built with you in mind. 

    From quick questions to in-depth advice, the Help Desk offers: 

    • Mobile line access AU +61 407 814 730 NZ +64 27 536 8063
    • Live online chat at fpsc-anz.com
    • Email support at helpdesk@fpsc-anz.com
    • A growing library of FAQs covering real-world, practical food safety concerns

    Whether you’re seeking clarity on food safety standards, preparing for audits, or looking for the right resources to improve your food safety practices, we are here to help with clear, friendly and practical advice. 

    Don’t second-guess. Just ask. 

    Reach out today and tap into this free industry-backed resource built to support your success and strengthen food safety across our sector. 

    Notes: 

     

    The Fresh Produce Safety Centre is an independent not-for-profit organisation operating in Australia and New Zealand. 

    The Help Desk is funded by HN21000 through Hort Innovation Frontiers with co-investment from FPSC-ANZ, industry partners and contributions from the Australian Government. 

    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.