Horticulture Food Safety Initiative Update

The Horticulture Food Safety Initiative (HFSI) aims to elevate Food Safety Standards in the ANZ Fresh Produce Industry with an initial focus on melons, berries, and leafy vegetables. FPSC-ANZ Technical Officer Susannah Roelofsz is pleased to share the latest progress update on this Project.

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FPSC launches International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium

A future of safe and sustainable fresh produce through science, innovation and collaboration

The FPSC-ANZ invites you to join us for a world-class symposium that will bring together the fresh produce safety community from Australia, New Zealand and beyond for two days of engaging and inspiring sessions presented by leading international and regional experts.

The inaugural* International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium will be held at the Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 August 24. Special keynote speaker is Frank Yiannas, renowned food safety leader and executive, food system futurist, author and professor. Frank is the former Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and spent 30 years in leadership roles with two industry giants: Walmart and the Walt Disney Company.

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Fresh & Safe News December 2023

The December edition of Fresh & Safe News provides a wrap up of 2023 and wishes all a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.
Read the full eNewsletter HERE.

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Exciting Developments at the Fresh Produce Safety Centre – Australia & New Zealand: New Leadership and Continued Commitment to Excellence

The Fresh Produce Safety Centre Australia and New Zealand had its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 23 August 2023. We are thrilled to announce some exciting developments that further strengthen our commitment to the safety and sustainability of the Australia and New Zealand Fresh Produce value chain.
1) Re-election of Dr. Andreas Klieber as FPSC-ANZ Board Chair: 
Dr. Andreas Klieber, GAICD FAIFST has been re-elected to the FPSC-ANZ Board and will continue to serve as the Board Chair. Dr. Klieber has been an invaluable leader, bringing a wealth of expertise and dedication to our mission. His re-election reflects the confidence our members and community have in his ability to guide the FPSC-ANZ towards continued success.
 
 
2) Welcome Dr. Libby Harrison as Newly Elected Director: 
Join us in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Libby Harrison, our newly elected New Zealand Director. Dr. Harrison’s background and passion for food safety make her a valuable addition to our team. She is also the Director of the New Zealand Food Safety Science & Research Centre (NZFSSRC). FPSC-ANZ and NZFSSRC already have a Memorandum of Understanding and we look forward to further strengthening the collaboration between our two organisations.
 
 
3) Appreciation for Miffy Gilbert, Outgoing Director: 
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to outgoing Director Miffy Gilbert, GAICD for her significant contributions to the FPSC-ANZ. As a trusted agri-business leader, with an entrepreneurial mind-set; Miffy’s dedication and expertise have played a crucial role in shaping the success of the Centre. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
 
 
4) Congratulations to Farzana Adams, our New CEO: 
As we stride forward, we are delighted to announce Farzana Adams as the new CEO of the Fresh Produce Safety Centre. Farzana has a Master of Science in Food Safety from Michigan State University and an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business. Farzana’s wealth of experience in food safety and leadership qualities make her the perfect fit to steer the FPSC-ANZ towards new heights. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and welcome her to this pivotal role.
 
 
These appointments mark an exciting time for the FPSC-ANZ, signalling a renewed chapter in our journey to uphold the highest standards of fresh produce safety. As we look ahead, our values remain steadfast, centred around collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of our community.
~ The FPSC-ANZ Board

Dr. Andreas Klieber (Director & Board Chair) 
Emeritus Professor Dr Robyn McConchie (Director & Company Secretary) 
Andrew Redman (Director) 
Belinda Wilson-Charters (Director) 
Brendan Hayes, (Director) 
Dr. Damien Farrelly (Director) 
Deon Mahoney (Director) 
Dr. Libby Harrison (Director) 

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Australian Food Safety Week 2023

It’s Australian Food Safety Week and the theme is ‘Food safety – dollars and sense’ // This week the FPSC-ANZ and Food Safety Information Council implore you not to compromise your health by taking food safety short cuts. There are an estimated 4.67 million cases of food poisoning in Australia each year that result in 47,900 hospitalisations, 38 deaths and cost to the economy of $2.1 billion. Food borne disease isn’t a minor illness, it can leave you with long term effects such as reactive arthritis. Here are some useful tips to stay food safe:

Don’t be tempted to forage for wild food as a saving, mushrooms and other plants can be toxic and wild foods can be contaminated by animal faeces
Don’t purchase food from unknown sources such as on social media, make sure they are a legal source

Learn more about food safety at www.fpsc-anz.com or www.foodsafety.asn.au
#Australianfoodsafetyweek #fpscanz #foodsafety #foodsafetyculture #freshproduce #freshproducesafety

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FPSC Seeks Non-Remunerated Board Directors

The Fresh Produce Safety Centre is currently seeking non-remunerated Board Directors.
About us
The Fresh Produce Safety Centre Australia and New Zealand (FPSC-ANZ) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of fresh produce within the food supply chain. We are committed to enhancing food safety standards, research, and industry best practices to protect consumers and promote the growth of the fresh produce sector.
As we continue our mission to improve fresh produce safety, we are seeking passionate and experienced individuals to join our Board of Directors. We are specifically looking for two candidates who can bring their expertise in financial management and fund-raising for non-profit organizations to our dynamic team.
Position Overview: Board Directors (non-remunerated)
Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership: Provide guidance and input on the strategic direction of FPSC-ANZ to ensure the organization’s mission and vision are realized.
Financial Management: Oversee the organization’s financial health, budgeting, and fiscal responsibility, as well as identifying potential funding sources and partnerships.
Fundraising: Contribute to fundraising efforts by identifying grant opportunities, cultivating donor relationships, and participating in fundraising activities.
Governance: Act as a steward of FPSC-ANZ’s resources, ensuring the highest standards of governance and accountability.
Advocacy and Outreach: Support FPSC-ANZ’s efforts to engage with stakeholders, government bodies, and industry leaders to advance fresh produce safety.

Qualifications:

Proven experience in financial management and fund-raising within non-profit organizations.
An understanding of food safety, agriculture, or related fields is advantageous but not essential.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Commitment to FPSC-ANZ’s role and purpose.
Previous board or committee experience preferred.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should complete THIS FORM and submit it with their resume or curriculum vitae, and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and explaining why they are interested in joining the FPSC-ANZ Board of Directors. Note that this is a non-remunerated Board Director role. Please send your application to eo@fpsc-anz.com by 09 November 2023.
 
Learn more about FPSC-ANZ:
Visit our website to learn more about our organization and role: https://fpsc-anz.com/about/what-we-do/
FPSC-ANZ is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We welcome diversity and are committed to building an inclusive team.
Join us in our mission to enhance fresh produce safety and contribute to the well-being of consumers and the fresh produce industry in Australia and New Zealand. Become a part of the FPSC-ANZ Board of Directors and make a meaningful impact.

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Fresh & Safe eNews 2023 Vol. 3

The latest edition of Fresh & Safe News is out now. In this volume, we:

Welcome Managing Director Farzana Adams
Wrap up this year’s Fresh Produce Safety Conference in Sydney
Introduce Food Safety Grower Guides produced in collaboration with NSW DPI
Overview the Horticulture Food Safety Initiative and appointment of the project’s Technical Officer
Launch the first of a series of four post-conference workshops

and much much more! Read the full eNewsletter HERE.

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Fresh & Safe eNews 2023 Vol. 2

The latest edition of Fresh & Safe News is out now. In this edition, our Executive Officer Marguerite gives us a wrap up from this year’s Hort Connections event in Adelaide, we announce the HNI21000 Horticulture Food Safety Initiative, the programme for the Fresh Produce Safety Conference and much much more! Read the full eNewsletter HERE.

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FPSC seeks Technical Officer for new three year project

The FPSC-ANZ has been awarded a three-year project, ‘Horticulture Food Safety Initiative’ (HNI21000), for which we require a full-time Technical Officer on a fixed term contract until June 2026.
Reporting to the FPSC-ANZ’s Executive Officer, who is also the project lead, the Technical Officer is charged with delivering the operational components of the project.
This is an exciting opportunity for a degree qualified candidate, offering the flexibility to work remotely from home, or from our office at the University of Sydney at Camperdown.
Download the full position description HERE and submit your covering letter and resume clearly matching your skills and experience with those we require, by 10 July 2023 to:
Marguerite Delbet
Executive Officer
Fresh Produce Safety Centre
Via email: eo@fpsc-anz.com

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Fresh & Safe eNews 2023 Vol. 1

The FPSC eNewsletter has a fresh new look and name: ‘Fresh & Safe News‘
The newest edition is out now and features a welcome from FPSC’s new Executive Officer Marguerite Delbet, announces FPSC Chairman of the Board Andreas Klieber’s appointment to the Centre For Produce Safety Technical Review Committee in the US, news from around the world concerning mushrooms and welcomes Jody Sharpe as FPSC’s new Communications and Events Officer.
This edition also includes a save the date for the FPSC annal Fresh Produce Safety Conference for 10 August 2023, announces the conference theme and special guest keynote speaker…
Read the full edition HERE.

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