Freshcare Food Safety & Quality Standard Edition 5 (FSQ5) has officially released today, 1 September 2026.
Following an extensive review and consultation process with industry, Freshcare is pleased to release FSQ5 – the next edition of the Food Safety & Quality Standard, designed to strengthen food safety and quality assurance across Australia’s fresh produce supply chain.
FSQ5 has been developed to reflect the changing needs of industry, evolving customer expectations and the requirements of globally recognised food safety systems.
Explore FSQ5
The full FSQ5 Standard is now freely available to download and review from the Freshcare website:
A full suite of accompanying FSQ5 Factsheets and Forms are available for participants to download from FreshcareOnline. These resources will help you understand the changes, interpret updated criteria and provide examples of “what good looks like”.
Click the button below to access an example FSQ5 Factsheet:
What happens next?
FSQ5 is now released, but businesses do not need to transition immediately.
Freshcare has established a transition period to give certified businesses time to understand the new requirements, prepare their systems and access training before transitioning to FSQ5.
Transition dates and key milestones:
September 2026: FSQ5 is released. Updated resources, implementation guidance and transition information become available.
October 2026: FSQ5 training becomes available late October, supporting businesses to understand the new requirements and prepare for transition.
1 March 2027: FSQ5 recertification audits begin. Existing businesses can choose to transition to FSQ5 or continue with FSQ4.2/SCS2 during the transition period.
30 June 2027: Final date for FSQ4.2 and SCS2 audits.
1 July 2027: FSQ5 becomes mandatory for all Freshcare audits. All audits must be conducted against FSQ5.
Freshcare will continue to share information about training, transition requirements, key changes and practical guidance as businesses prepare for FSQ5.
Already certified to FSQ4.2 or SCS2?
There is no need to make an immediate change.
Existing FSQ4.2 and SC2 certificates remain valid until their stated expiry date and continue to be GFSI-recognised during their period of validity.
Businesses should continue to operate against the requirements of their current certification until they transition to FSQ5 in accordance with the Freshcare transition arrangements.
This means there is time to prepare, understand the changes and undertake training before your next certification activity.
Get ready for FSQ5
Freshcare will be providing further information and support throughout the transition, including:
- FSQ5 training opportunities
- Guidance on the key changes from FSQ4.2
- Practical resources and factsheets
- Transition information and timelines
- Frequently asked questions
- Information for auditors, trainers and certification bodies.
Keep up to date with latest information, resources, FAQs and transition guidance:
FSQ5 is Freshcare’s next step in strengthening food safety and quality assurance across Australia’s fresh produce supply chain.
We’re here to support you through the transition!
Contact Freshcare
E: [email protected]
P: +61 2 8039 9999
