What are the Primary Production and Processing (PPP) Regulations?
The Primary Production and Processing (PPP) Regulations for berries, leafy vegetables, and melons are regulatory food safety requirements within the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
The PPP Regulations establish nationally consistent food safety obligations for producers and processors of these commodities.
PPP are regulatory requirements implemented and enforced by state and territory authorities.
The PPP Regulations focus on strengthening:
- Food safety risk management
- Traceability
- Hygiene and handling practices
- Preventive controls across production and processing activities
Recognition and Regulatory Alignment
Freshcare has established formal recognition of Freshcare certification and data sharing arrangements with Victoria and New South Wales, along with formal recognition of Freshcare certification in Western Australia.
These arrangements support outcomes such as:
- Reduced duplication of regulatory oversight
- Recognition of existing certified systems
- Streamlined compliance pathways
- Reduced administrative burden for certified growers
Freshcare remains actively engaged with regulators nationally as implementation progresses.
Providing Consent and Sharing Certification Data
Freshcare has established secure data-sharing arrangements with Agriculture Victoria and the NSW Food Authority.
By providing consent through FreshcareOnline, you can allow selected certification information to be shared directly with your relevant state authority.
To provide your consent for certification data sharing, follow the steps below:
- Login to FreshcareOnline using the link: https://member.freshcare.com.au
- Use your FreshcareOnline login details
- Open your business profile
- Review the ‘Terms of Agreement – Certification Data Sharing’ (available to download via the ‘Consent to Certification Data Sharing’ window, highlighted in orange)
- Click on the ‘Click here to give consent’ button
Consent is optional, transparent and can be withdrawn at any time.
For questions about Freshcare certification or providing consent through FreshcareOnline, contact Freshcare Support: [email protected]
Further Information
The PPP Standards are implemented by state and territory authorities.
For crop-specific regulatory updates and guidance, please contact your relevant peak industry body:
Berries – Berries Australia
Leafy Vegetables – AUSVEG
Melons – Melons Australia
For information on licensing, state-based requirements and fees, please refer to your state or territory authority:
- WA – WA Health and local governments
- VIC – Agriculture Victoria
- NSW – NSW Food Authority
- QLD – Safe Food Queensland
- SA – Department of Primary Industries and Regions
- TAS – Department of Natural Resources and Environment
- NT – Northern Territory Government
PPP Regulations FAQs
- Do the PPP Regulations replace Freshcare certification?
No.
The Primary Production and Processing (PPP) Regulations are regulatory requirements within the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Freshcare certification remains a voluntary, globally recognised assurance program.
The PPP Regulations and Freshcare certification operate alongside each other.
- If I am Freshcare certified, do I still need to comply with the PPP Regulations?
Yes.
The PPP Regulations are regulatory obligations enforced by state and territory authorities. Certification does not replace regulatory compliance requirements.
However, Freshcare certification may support streamlined compliance outcomes where recognition arrangements exist.
- Will I need another audit because of PPP?
In many cases, no.
Where regulators recognise Freshcare certification, duplication of regulatory audits or assessments may be reduced or avoided.
Requirements vary by jurisdiction, so businesses should confirm expectations with their state or territory authorities.
- Will I be required to register with my state regulator?
Yes, and this will vary based on your location and operation.
Some jurisdictions may require registration or notification under PPP implementation frameworks.
Freshcare certification does not automatically replace regulator registration requirements.
- Will there be additional fees?
Regulatory fees, where applicable, are determined by state and territory authorities.
- Will Freshcare share all my business data with regulators?
No.
Freshcare only shares limited certification information where:
- A formal regulatory agreement exists, and
- Consent requirements have been granted by the business.
- What berry crops are included?
The regulations apply to fresh raw berries including, but not limited to:
- strawberries
- blueberries
- berries from the Rubus species (e.g. blackberries and raspberries)
Download the FSANZ InfoBites Factsheet for more information: DOWNLOAD
- What leafy vegetable crops are included?
The regulations apply to fresh vegetables of a leafy nature where the leaf is consumed raw including, but not limited to:
- lettuces
- spinach
- kale
- Asian leafy greens
- leafy herbs
- spring onions or scallions
- silverbeet or chard
- cabbage
- microgreens
Download the FSANZ InfoBites Factsheet for more information: DOWNLOAD
- What melon crops are included?
The regulations apply to fresh melons including, but not limited to:
- watermelon
- rockmelon
- honeydew
- piel de sapo
Download the FSANZ InfoBites Factsheet for more information: DOWNLOAD
- What business activities are captured?
The regulations define primary producers and processors as:
- A producer is a business that grows and/or harvests berries, leafy vegetables or melons.
- A processor is a business that conducts one or more of the following activities in relation to harvested berries, leafy vegetables and/or melons: washing, trimming, sorting, sanitising, storing, combining harvested berries, leafy vegetables or melons, packing, and transporting between primary processing premises.
Interpretation and implementation of the regulations are being managed by state and territory authorities. Please reach out to your relevant authority for clarification.