Updated: 30 April 2026
Event Activation Notice – Download
Freshcare has activated its Audits Under Exceptional Circumstances Policy in response to the current fuel shortage impacting travel and site access across Australia.
This allows Certification Bodies to consider alternative audit arrangements where on-site audits are not feasible or safe.
What this means for you
- Your audit will not automatically change
- Your Certification Body will assess your situation case by case
- All audit and certification requirements still apply
- Certification cycles are not extended or reset
Alternative audit options (where permitted)
Depending on your program and audit type, Certification Bodies may consider:
- Certificate extensions (short-term, generally up to 3 months)
- Two-part audits (combination of remote and on-site)
- Fully remote audits (limited to specific programs only)
Program-specific application
Food Safety & Quality (FSQ4.2) and Supply Chain (SCS2)
✅ Certificate extensions may be applied
✅ Two-part audits may be applied
❌ Fully remote audits are not permitted
These programs require on-site verification to maintain certification integrity.
Environmental (ENV3) and Reef Assured
✅ Certificate extensions may be applied
✅ Two-part audits may be applied
✅ Fully remote audits may be applied (where appropriate)
❌ Fully remote audits are not permitted for initial certification
Remote audits may be used where sufficient evidence can be verified.
Wine Industry Programs (AWISSP-VIT and AWISSP-WIN)
✅ Certificate extensions may be applied
✅ Two-part audits may be applied
✅ Fully remote audits may be applied (where appropriate)
❌ Fully remote audits are not permitted for initial certification
Remote audits may be used where sufficient evidence can be verified.
Important limitations
- Are not automatically applied
- Must be permitted for the program and audit type
- Require a risk-based assessment by the Certification Body
- Are only used where:
- Risk is low
- Compliance history supports it
- Sufficient evidence can be reviewed
What Certification Bodies consider
Each decision is based on:
- Compliance history and previous audit outcomes
- Outstanding corrective actions
- Complaints, incidents, or regulatory concerns
- Ability to verify evidence remotely
- Whether the business has undergone significant change
What you need to do
- Continue operating as normal
- Maintain compliance with Freshcare requirements
- Be prepared to support your audit (including remotely if required)
- Contact your Certification Body if you have concerns about access or timing
What happens next
This is a temporary measure. Any alternative audit arrangements:
- Are time-limited
- Do not replace the need for an on-site audit
- Will return to normal audit arrangements when conditions allow
Freshcare will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.
Need Help?
Please contact your Certification Body, either listed on your current certificate or who undertook your most recent audit, in the first instance for audit-specific enquiries.
If further assistance is required from Freshcare please email [email protected]
FAQs
- Will my audit change automatically?
No. Your Certification Body will assess your situation and advise if any changes are required.
- How do I request temporary audit flexibility?
If you wish to discuss audit flexibility options available to your business, contact your Certification Body: http://www.freshcare.com.au/search-directory/certification-body/
- Can I request a remote audit or extension?
You can discuss your situation with your Certification Body, however all decisions must meet policy and program requirements.
- Will this affect my certification?
No. Certification requirements and cycles remain unchanged.
- How long can a certificate be extended?
Typically, up to 3 months, unless otherwise approved.
- Will I still need an on-site audit?
Yes. Any alternative arrangements are temporary and on-site audits will resume when feasible or at the next audit cycle.
- How long will this arrangement be in place?
The Event Activation Notice issued by Freshcare on 30 April 2026, is in place until amended or withdrawn by Freshcare.
- Who should I contact?
Please contact your Certification Body, either listed on your current certificate or who undertook your most recent audit, in the first instance for audit-specific enquiries.
Certification Body contact details can be found here: www.freshcare.com.au/search-directory/certification-body/
If further assistance is required from Freshcare please email: [email protected]
- What technology or systems do I need if my audit includes remote components?
The specific technology requirements will be set by your Certification Body and may vary depending on the audit type and approach being used.
In general, for a fully remote audit, you will be required to have access to reliable internet connectivity at your site. Certification Bodies will confirm this as part of their application process.
You will also need to be able to participate in live communication with your auditor using common platforms such as FaceTime, Microsoft Teams, or similar tools approved by your Certification Body. Evidence and records will need to be shared electronically. Depending on the information type, this could include sending evidence by email or for documents requiring more secure transfer, uploading information through platforms such as OneDrive or Dropbox.
Because Certification Bodies may use different systems and processes, you should discuss specific technology requirements directly with your Certification Body.
- What if all my records are paper-based?
If you keep paper based records, this does not automatically prevent use of a remote or alternative audit approach. In some cases, you may be able to scan documents, show records during a live video call, or take photographs and send them as evidence, subject to your Certification Body’s approval.
- How long will my audit take?
It is important to note that remote or alternative audit processes may sometimes take slightly longer to complete due to the need to share information electronically or manage technology during the audit.