Horticulture standards
The ‘Horticulture Standards’ refers to specific standards under the Primary Production and Processing Standards (Chapter 4):
- Standard 4.2.6 – Seed sprouts
- Standard 4.2.7 – Berries
- Standard 4.2.8 – Leafy vegetables
- Standard 4.2.9 – Melons
Together with standard 4.1.1 Primary Production and Processing Standards – Preliminary Provisions, these standards aim to strengthen food safety and traceability throughout the food supply chain for the identified horticulture commodities.
Safe Horticulture Australia guidance
Our guidebook Safe Horticulture Australia has information on the requirements of the horticulture standards and best practice tips for food safety.
InfoBites factsheets
- Food safety requirements for horticulture: berries, leafy vegetables and melons
- Food safety requirements for berry growers and primary processors
- Food safety requirements for leafy vegetable growers and primary processors
- Food safety requirements for melon growers and primary processors
- Notification
- Food Safety Management Statement
- Inputs – Soil, water, fertiliser and composts
- Growing sites
- Weather events
- Premises and equipment
- Animals and pests
- Pesticides
- Traceability
- Washing and sanitising produce
- Temperature control
- Skills and knowledge
- Health and hygiene of personnel and visitors
External resources
- Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety 2022 (Fresh Produce Safety Centre)
- Fact sheets on fresh produce (Fresh Produce Safety Centre)
- Fresh produce safety and traceability (including best practice guides for melons and citrus; NSW Department of Primary Industries)
- Farmers Markets Safety Guide (Australian Farmers Markets Association)
- Guidance on handling fresh produce exposed to floodwater (International Fresh Produce Association)
- Code of Hygienic Practice for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (Codex Alimentarius CXC 53-2003 )
- Code of Practice for Packaging and Transport of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables (Codex Alimentarius CXC 44-1995)
- Food Safety Grower Guides (Fresh Produce Safety Centre)
Regulatory agencies
- State and territory authorities
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry (DAFF)
- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC):
Horticulture code of conduct - Codex Alimentarius - International Food Standards