Food Safety

What Should Food Safety Standards Contain?

The IFPS recommends that food safety standards, including standards developed by or for industry, retailers and government, contain practices and critical limits that are technically justified, science-based, take published peer-reviewed information into consideration where it is available, and are guided by risk assessments and HACCP methodologies. 

The IFPS will promote the global adoption of such standards in a non-competitive manner in order to protect the health and safety of fresh produce consumers. Safe food should be a right and expectation of all consumers. 

Objectives of the Food Safety Committee

To engage in collaborative activities that contribute to a reduction in global food-borne illness attributed to fresh produce by:

  • Influencing the political discussion relating to food safety issues and food safety standards (e.g.: Codex, ISO, GlobalG.A.P. and GFSI) that affect the produce industry.

  • Acting as a forum for comment, discussion, strategy development and action on issues relating to food safety in the produce industry.

  • Informing our supply chain stakeholders on issues relating to food safety in the produce industry.

  • Identifying food safety compliance, regulatory, implementation and industry issues and to leverage our international networks to address such issues, and

  • Ensuring members are aware of food safety incidents and responses. Use this information to enhance prevention of, preparation for, responses to and recovery from food safety incidents.

Food Safety Committee

  • Jeff Hall | Canadian Produce Marketing Association | Chair

  • Anne-Marie Arts | The AgriChain Centre (NZ)

  • Deon Mahoney | International Fresh Produce Association (AU)

  • Emily Griep | International Fresh Produce Association (US)

  • Heather Gale | CanadaGAP

  • Kelly Shields | Fresh Produce Consortium (UK)

  • Nicolette Quaedvlieg | GroentenFruit Huis (NL)

Latest Food Safety News

The IFPS Food Safety Committee undertook the creation of a register of Global Food Safety Regulations and Standards that have relevance in the Fresh Produce industry. The Global Fresh Produce Regulatory Food Safety Standards Register report is available here. Any suggestions for additions or adjustments should be sent to the Committee Chair using the form below. All contributions are welcome. Together, we will be able to expand this register as necessary and keep it relevant.

Contact the Food Safety Committee