FAQs

Your Freshcare participation fees directly contribute to the costs associated with the administration, accreditation and benchmarking, promotional activities to enhance recognition for certified participants, and the ongoing support Freshcare provides in the form of training resources, tools, and forms.  

Visit the Freshcare Fee Structure page for more information.

If the additional business is operating separately from the existing business registered with Freshcare, you will be required to sign up separately for the additional business by completing the online sign-up form here: signup.freshcare.com.au.

If the trained representative from the existing business will be managing the Freshcare Program for the additional business, the training record can be linked to both businesses. If this is not the case, training of the person responsible for managing the Freshcare Program for the additional business will be required.

To obtain Freshcare Certification, each additional business will require an audit for separate certificates to be issued. A Freshcare Certification Fee applies to each business at the time of audit.

If you are unsure whether you are required to sign up the additional business, please Contact Us for further assistance.

Freshcare certified businesses can utilise the Freshcare certification mark incorporating their unique certification number.

If you are a Freshcare certified business interested in using the Freshcare certification mark, please complete Freshcare’s Logo Permission Request with your Certification number and intention to use the logo.

Your logon details to FreshcareOnline are sent out with the original welcome email you receive once your business has been registered with Freshcare.

If you know your Company ID, or have your Freshcare Certificate (Company ID = last 5 digits of your certification number), you can have your password reset via the forgotten password option of the FreshcareOnline Logon.

If you need to have your logon details reset, please Contact Us.

FreshcareOnline provides Freshcare participating businesses with the ability to view and update their contact details. By logging into FreshcareOnline and updating your details you have notified all required contacts in one instance. Your online changes prompt a notification to Freshcare of the changes made. These changes are then forwarded to your Certification Body to ensure all contact information is correct, up-to-date and consistent.

Please Contact Us for assistance.

Freshcare Certification Bodies have 10 business days to report a Freshcare audit. Certificates are issued within 10 business days once certification is achieved

Freshcare certificates are emailed by the Certification Body and are also available for download via FreshcareOnline.

The auditor that completed your Freshcare audit will leave you with (or provide within a few days) a copy of your audit report and details of any Corrective Action Records (CARs) raised during the audit. The CAR details should outline which element of the Code it is applicable to and what is required to complete the CAR closure. Evidence of CAR closure should be provided directly to the auditor, Certification Body, or contact outlined in the audit report.

Details of CARs raised at audited can be viewed via FreshcareOnline once the audit has been logged by the Certification Body.

CARs should be closed out within 28 days of the audit. CARs outstanding for longer than 28 days will place your Freshcare certification status in certification pending and will hold up your Certificate.

Freshcare businesses may incur additional expenses at audit, related to increases in the minimum audit duration and changes to the skills requirements of auditors. The impact will vary depending on the size and operations of each business.

The Freshcare Food Safety & Quality Standards were updated to align with the release of new benchmark criteria as set by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).

Freshcare communicates updates to the Food Safety & Quality Standards directly with participating businesses and stakeholders.

Information on the Freshcare Standards can be found here: https://www.freshcare.com.au/our-standards/

The GFSI benchmark process also means changes for our certification bodies in areas such as auditor competency, audit scheduling and management of corrective actions.

The Freshcare office has also been required to update our internal management systems and operating procedures, undergoing annual assessments and meeting reporting requirements to GFSI.

Businesses certified to the Freshcare Food Safety and Quality Standard - Edition 4.2 or the Freshcare Supply Chain Standard - Edition 2, can feel confident they are meeting international best practice food safety standards determined by GFSI benchmarks.

GFSI benchmarking of the Freshcare programs is also a domestic market requirement set by the Australian retailers under HARPS.

Freshcare has achieved GFSI benchmark status for its fresh produce food safety and quality standards covering production on-farm through to the supply chain. Freshcare undertook GFSI benchmarking to ensure ongoing market acceptance of Freshcare Certification by domestic and international retailers.

Benchmarking to GFSI has proven that Freshcare food safety systems are aligned with global best practices to ensure your Freshcare Certificate is recognised worldwide.

The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) is an international benchmark model of best practice against which food safety systems such as Freshcare can be assessed.  Customers can confidently accept fresh produce from suppliers certified with any food safety system that meets the GFSI benchmark requirements.

More information on GFSI can be found here: https://www.mygfsi.com

Freshcare requires the following national competencies to be included in all chemical user training qualifications:

• AHCCHM307 – Prepare and apply chemicals
• AHCCHM304 – Transport and store chemicals.

Some examples of training course providers that deliver these competency units are AusChem Training, ChemCert Australia and SmartTrain.

Freshcare does accept composite residue test results, providing the test is a broad spectrum screen and has been conducted by an appropriate NATA – accredited laboratory.

Composite residue testing is the testing of more than one product (of the same crop type), per residue test. Results are then distributed by the number of products included in the composite test. If a violation occurs on a composite test, individual product testing will then be required.

Please note that customer specific requirements may differ, and approval for composite testing may be required from individual customers.

The Freshcare Food Safety & Quality Standard requires each participating business to complete a multi-screen test that includes chemicals used as part of your spray program and, where applicable, postharvest chemicals.

A rotation system must be used so that a different crop is tested each year.

Where there are significant differences in crop groupings, chemical application, or treatment programs, more than one crop type should be tested. To ensure appropriate control of risk, a business must assess whether further testing is required.

Product testing is to be completed by a NATA-accredited laboratory.

Please note that customer-specific requirements may differ from Freshcare requirements and hence residue testing per crop may be necessary for some customers.

Freshcare FSQ4.2 training introduces the key areas of food safety risk mitigation on-farm and allows you to apply these to your operations.

The training guides learners through each of the elements of the Food Safety & Quality Standard, providing interpretation of requirements, explaining the concepts of risk management and outlining the procedures, practices and record-keeping required to demonstrate compliance with the Food Safety & Quality Standard.

JAS-ANZ stands for "Joint Accreditation System Australia New Zealand".

JAS-ANZ is an accreditation body for the Certification Bodies that undertake audits for Freshcare.

JAS-ANZ accreditation sends a clear message. It says your Certification Body can be counted on to perform its duties—authoritatively and impartially. It flags that you have been approved by an independent third party as a professional body that acts with integrity when certifying or inspecting for conformity assessment.

JAS-ANZ accredited certification underpins food exports and the domestic market– many customers purchasing these products require accredited certification as a declaration of the safety of the products produced, and as proof that regulatory requirements have been fulfilled.

The Freshcare Food Safety & Quality Standard - Edition 4.2 and the Freshcare Supply Chain Standard - Edition 2 are both accredited schemes by JAS-ANZ, hence their logo will appear on certificates issued to these programs.

More information on JAS-ANZ can be found at www.jasanz.org

Incident management planning will help detail the steps to be taken before, during and after an incident or event to maintain the financial viability of the business.

Proper planning and preparation by your business is key to avoiding and reducing the risks associated with events or incidents that could result in major disruptions to operations; and preparing a plan to ensure services to customers can continue.

A Management Review is a formal, structured meeting that involves owners and/or senior managers of the business and takes place at regular intervals throughout the year.

The objective of the management review is to ensure the food safety and quality system implemented remains suitable, adequate and effective.

Sustainable Winegrowing Australia is Australia’s national program for grape growers and winemakers to demonstrate and continuously improve their sustainability in the vineyard and winery through their businesses' environmental, social, and economic aspects.

The program takes a holistic approach to managing, supporting and promoting sustainability. The Australian Wine Research Institute administers the program, with governance, endorsement and active support from Australian Grape & Wine and Wine Australia.

Sustainable Winegrowing Australia is modelled on global best practices and aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with progress towards these monitored annually.

It provides a clear pathway to becoming a Certified Member, with the full support of the Australian Wine Research Institute along the way.

Certified members:

• Commit to triennial independent audits of the Freshcare Australian Wine Industry Standards of Sustainable Practice.
• Are identified by the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia trust mark – an assurance to customers and consumers of how the product is produced.
• Benefit from inclusion in Wine Australia’s marketing events programs, case studies, sustainability stories, and in Wine Australia’s education and content for customers and consumers.

Freshcare is the certification program owner that manages the development, application, and certification processes of the Freshcare Standards provided for voluntary use by industry.

The Freshcare Australian Wine Industry Standards of Sustainable Practice – Edition 1 in both Viticulture (AWISSP-VIT1), and Winery (AWISSP-WIN1), were developed to support the Australian Wine Industry and Sustainable Winegrowing Australia members.

Freshcare Certification to AWISSP-VIT1 and AWISSP-WIN1 is achieved through third-party audits on a triennial basis.

The Sustainable Winegrowing Australia trust mark has been released in conjunction with the Freshcare AWISSP-VIT1 and AWISSP-WIN1 Standards, for use by certified members on wine labels, communications, and marketing materials, to provide a visible demonstration of their commitment to sustainable practices. Customers and consumers will know from seeing the trust mark that the vineyard and winery have met rigorous standards of sustainability.

Certified members will also benefit from enhanced international marketing opportunities through Wine Australia’s marketing events programs and the integration of sustainability stories into Wine Australia’s education and content for customers and consumers.

Training supports learning and program adoption and is an important component of all Freshcare Standards. Training ensures consistency in application, understanding and preparedness by participants in the Freshcare programs, and supports them to have all the tools needed to support their certification journey. 

The requirement for Freshcare training in the AWISSP-VIT and AWISSP-WIN Standards is to ensure each participating business has at least one trained representative who oversees the management and ownership of the program.

Freshcare training supports the interpretation of the Standards' requirements, provides examples of the documents and record-keeping needed to be kept, and explains how to integrate the program for best practice.

It is acknowledged that some participants may have existing qualifications relevant to applying the Standards, however, participation in the Freshcare training component should still benefit those participants, providing an opportunity for a greater understanding of the program and insight into ways the individual or business can integrate it.

Audits to the Freshcare Australian Wine Industry Standards of Sustainable Practice (Viticulture or Winery), are required to be undertaken on a triennial basis for businesses to achieve and maintain certification.

When preparing for your first audit, it is recommended to have a minimum of 3 months of program records established.

To schedule and book your audit, contact one of Freshcare’s registered Certification Bodies here. Alternatively, complete the Audit Quote Request Form to receive a quote for audit from all available Certification Bodies.