Quality assurance plays an integral role in the operation of the fresh produce supply chain. Each link in the supply chain must adhere to quality assurance (QA) programs – whether that’s producer, packer, exporter, transport & logistics.
QA programs provide a framework and a set of actions supply chain members must take – depending on the scope of their business – to ensure fruit is not only safe to eat, but that it is grown with good agricultural practice.
The umbrella term QA covers several categories: food safety, trade and legislative, environmental and ethical, and can include a multitude of requirements which differ between domestic and export markets.
This guide provides an overview of food safety and quality assurance, what it means, and some of the most common programs available in Australia.