Proposal to include certain draft standards in Chapter 4 of the Food Standards Code

The following draft standards are proposed for inclusion in Chapter 4 (primary production standards – Australia only) of the Food Standards Code (https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/code/Pages/default.aspx):

Standard 4.2.7 – Primary production and processing standard for berries
Standard 4.2.8 – Primary production and processing standard for leafy vegetables
Standard 4.2.9 – Primary production and processing standard for melons

The proposed draft standards are included in the P1052 2nd call for submissions (2nd consultation period). This package also includes an analysis of current regulation of these sectors in Australia a microbiological risk assessment a cost benefit analysis compliance plans a consultation regulation impact statement the 2nd CFS report.

The vast majority of horticultural produce is safe, however outbreaks linked to particular sectors continue to occur. In June 2018, Australia and New Zealand food minister requested that FSANZ reassess food safety risk management across several horticultural sectors; including fresh berries, fresh leafy vegetables and fresh melons.

We identified the following microbial hazards as being of greatest concern:
• Berries: shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), norovirus (NoV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV)
• Leafy vegetables: STEC, non-typhoidal Salmonella spp. (Salmonella) and Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria)
• Melons: Salmonella and Listeria.

Our microbiological risk assessment identified the most likely routes of contamination in each sector and proposed risk mitigation measures.

Our cost benefit analysis identified the most cost effective way to reduce illness caused by the microbial hazards we identified.

Based on our assessment, a combination of regulatory (i.e. standards) and non-regulatory measures is our preferred approach. FSANZ prepared three draft proposed standards (regulatory measures) - one each for fresh berries, fresh leafy vegetables and fresh melons.