FPSC Releases Updated Fundamental Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety (Version 5 – 2025)

Nov 17

About the Updated Fresh Produce Food Safety Guidelines

The Fresh Produce Safety Centre Australia & New Zealand (FPSC A-NZ) has released Version 5 (2025) of the Fundamental Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety, providing an updated, science-based framework to help the sector manage food safety risks with confidence.

Food Surety’s Managing Director, Ray Haddad, contributed as a member of the technical committee, working alongside specialists from across Australia and New Zealand to review and strengthen the new edition.


What’s new in Version 5 (2025)

  • New chapters: Managing Critical Incidents & Recalls, and Food Safety Culture

  • Expanded appendices: Food Safety Regulation and Assurance Programmes and The uses and significance of faecal indicator bacteria

  • Improved guidance: Water quality criteria, microbial testing protocols

  • Updated, clearer, and more practical visuals

  • New Quick Guides for Fresh Produce Food Safety ideal for growers and operational teams


These updates give fresh produce businesses — from growers and packhouses to auditors and compliance managers — clearer expectations and practical tools to strengthen their food safety systems.

Download the guidelines


The guidelines are freely available from FPSC A-NZ and serve as an excellent reference for anyone responsible for fresh produce safety, verification, or QA leadership.

👉 Download the guidelines from the FPSCANZ website here. 


Author: Ray Haddad
Disclaimer: The information contained on this article is based on research done in the last months and the author's personal experience and opinions. It is not intended to represent the view of any organization they work for or collaborate with. The authors will not be held liable for the use or misuse of the information provided in the article.