Freshcare has updated the Food Safety & Quality Standard to FSQ4.2

Freshcare has updated the Food Safety & Quality Standard to FSQ4.2

12 November 2020

Freshcare has updated the Food Safety & Quality Standard to FSQ4.2

Existing Freshcare businesses should note that Freshcare has updated the Food Safety & Quality Standard for growers and packers.

The new Standard FSQ4.2 includes changes implemented to meet the requirements of the GFSI v2020 benchmark criteria. The Harmonised Australian Retailer Produce Scheme (HARPS) Standard version 1.0 remains unchanged.

Participating businesses are required to transition over to FSQ4.2 for audits occurring from 3 May 2021.

Citrus Australia is planning workshops in 2021 to explain the changes (covid19 permitting).

The changes in summary include:

• Freshcare Rules now found in Section 1 of the FSQ4.2 Standard.
• Freshcare Rules now provide guidance on Unannounced Audits; and the Two-Part Audit Process.
• Greater emphasis and focus on Food Safety Culture.
• Updates to M3 Training and development, requiring annual reviews of workers’ training needs.
• Updates to F13 Product identification and traceability, requiring dispatch records to be maintained and a test of traceability.
• Updated M4 Internal Audit Report Form.

Also noteable is the update to the farm chemical user competencies.

• The following national competencies (or validated equivalent) must be included in all farm chemical user training qualifications:
  • AHCCHM306 – Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases (supersedes AHCCHM303).
  • AHCCHM304 Transport and store chemicals.

What forms have changed from FSQ4.1 to FSQ4.2?

• Form – M1 Property map checklist (new)
• Form – M1 Organisational chart (new)
• Form – M3 Training record – internal FSQ (updated)
• Form – M4 Internal audit report (updated)
• Form – F13 Harvest, packing and dispatch record (updated)
• Form – F13 Traceability test record (new)

For further information about the new FSQ4.2 Standard go to: https://www.freshcare.com.au/standards/fsq4-2/