Completed project
Identifying and managing the sources and routes of microbial contamination in leafy vegetables (VG22002)
Publication date: May 30, 2026
Delivery Partner: NSW Department of Primary Industries
This program strengthened food safety systems across the Australian leafy vegetable industry by identifying where microbial contamination risks occur and providing practical ways to manage them. The key output was the development of a Best Management Practice Guide that translates the project’s findings into practical, science-based recommendations for growers and processors.
The project engaged 154 growers and 40 processors across major production regions and collected more than 3,700 samples from produce, water, soil, equipment and processing environments. This work helped identify the main sources and pathways of contamination and informed the development of practical risk management tools for industry.
The project combined industry practice reviews, microbial surveillance and whole-genome sequencing to better understand contamination risks throughout the supply chain. Research confirmed that water is one of the most important pathways for microbial contamination and highlighted other key risk factors, including animal waste, extreme weather events, wildlife intrusion, washing and sanitisation practices, and worker hygiene.
These findings were used to develop the “Mind the W” framework, a practical tool to help growers and processors assess and manage food safety risks. The project also produced a food safety management statement template, technical articles, scientific publications, webinars, presentations and a dedicated Food Safety Helpdesk that responded to more than 300 industry enquiries.
The project will help growers strengthen preventative food safety practices, improve preparedness for extreme weather events and support ongoing compliance with food safety standards. The resources, guidance materials and risk management tools developed through the project will help reduce the likelihood of food safety incidents, recalls and market disruptions, while supporting consumer confidence in Australian leafy vegetables.
Download the Best Management Practice Guide
This project was a strategic levy investment in the Hort Innovation Vegetable Fund
© 2026 Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited.
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