“Speakers concentrated on the purpose of testing and its contribution to food safety risk management, using results to make better decisions, and being able to confidently identify key microbial and chemical testing requirements,” said Richard Bennett, FPSC’s Technology Manager. “This helps QA managers make the most of their considerable effort and cost investment in testing.”

Joe Ekman, Technical Director, Fresh Produce Group, and a Director of FPSC, said, “A good understanding of chemical and microbial testing is critical in keeping customers confident and the auditor happy.”

Brendan Hayes, Produce Technologist, Fresh Produce with Coles, went through an industry’s perspective on managing agricultural chemical residues in fresh produce. He covered verification and residue testing in detail.

Other presenters included retailers, commercial QA Managers, regulators and testing experts.

In a survey following the event, all respondents believed attending the event was valuable, with all rating it ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’, with helpful content and with new information. The event also provided attendees with the opportunity to network and interact with their peer group.

The FPSC’s Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety was once again endorsed as a very useful resource.

Events such as this are designed by FPSC to provide industry with in-depth understanding of specific fresh produce food safety issues. The next event is a masterclass to be held in Hobart, Tasmania on 30 November 2016.

The Fresh Produce Safety Centre Ltd is an industry-led, industry-supported, not-for-profit company established to enhance fresh produce food safety across Australia and New Zealand through research, outreach and education.

For more information on the FPSC and future events, go to the website and sign up for the fortnightly e-newsletter, telephone: 02 8627 1058 or e-mail.

Source: PMA A-NZ