Berry Primary Producers and Processors

New national primary production and processing standards are set to take effect from February 2025. These three standards were developed to strengthen food safety and traceability throughout the berry, melon and leafy vegetable supply chains.

Standard 4.2.7 – Primary Production and Processing Standard for Berries captures all berry varieties including but not limited to:

• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Blackberries
• Other berries from the genus Rubus

These standards apply to horticulture primary producers and primary processors of berries, melons and leafy vegetables, as defined below: 

A primary producer is a business that grows and/or harvests. 

A primary processor is a business that does early-stage processing. This includes, but is not limited to: washing, trimming, sorting, sanitising, storing, combining and packing, and transporting berries, leafy vegetables or melons between pack houses. 

The Queensland Government is currently working to determine which businesses will require Safe Food accreditation. More information will be released as soon as it becomes available. Register for updates via the Safe Food newsletter. 

These national standards establish food safety and traceability requirements for all berry, leafy vegetable and melon businesses. The standards will support nationally consistent food safety practices designed to reduce microbial hazards on fresh produce associated with: 

• Inputs and inputs management 
• Premises and equipment   
• Staff training, knowledge, health, and hygiene  
• Animal and pest control  
• Temperature abuse 
• Washing and sanitation of produce 
• Growing site management   
• Weather events 
• Sale or supply of unacceptable produce 

For specific enquiries, contact our dedicated horticulture officers by calling 1800 300 815 + option 4 or emailing horticulture@safefood.qld.gov.au. 

Your entire application can be completed online through a secure portal, which can be linked to your QGov/myQld digital identity.  

The first part of your application will include an eligibility test to ensure your business is required to hold Safe Food accreditation before you proceed.  

The second part will include completion of a Business Profile outlining basic details of your operation including your ACN. You’re encouraged to have this information handy before starting your application, which can be saved as a draft for up to 14 days.  

You will only be asked questions that are relevant and essential for your unique business. 

You will need to submit your allocated fee payment before Safe Food assesses your application. You will be guided through the steps to do this as part of the application process.  

Some businesses may be required to complete a food safety management statement and upload supporting documentation based on the risks associated with their business activities. 

Please note: Applications are not yet open. They are planned to open once legislative amendments are finalised in early 2025. Updates will be provided via the Safe Food newsletter.

Safe Food is committed to recognising Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmarked programs (eg Freshcare, SQF, Global G.A.P, BRCGS) as a way of demonstrating compliance with the standards. It is intended that legislative amendments will provide for this recognition for businesses who are required to hold a Safe Food Accreditation. 

Please note that participation in these programs will not exempt businesses from the legal obligation to hold a Safe Food accreditation. Businesses operating under a GFSI benchmarked program will undergo a streamlined application process and have different compliance arrangements to account for their already receiving an audit under said program. 

It’s important to understand there are many benefits Safe Food accreditation brings to both business and industry, beyond just fulfilling a legal obligation. Some benefits of holding accreditation include:

• Consumer confidence 
• Market consistency 
• Foundation for business growth, including export opportunities 
• Assurance that you’re effectively managing food safety risks 
• Support with food safety incident response 

 For more information about how accreditation can support your business, watch this short video: