What was it all about?

This investment strengthened food safety systems of the Australian melon industry by supporting best practice adoption across the supply chain. The investment supported food safety training activities across the country for melon growers, farm managers and key staff, and followed initial investment Food safety, training, extension and capacity for the melon industry (VM17002) which focused on rockmelons, honeydew and specialty melons, with the second phase including watermelon businesses as well.

Along with scientific research, the team examined the food safety practices of watermelon growers and retailers to develop the Watermelon food safety: A best practice guide and toolbox to help growers and other supply chain participants identify and manage potential microbial risks. It was designed as a practical tool for implementing food safety requirements that comply with various quality assurance schemes and meet export market expectations.

Adoption was further boosted by training and extension activities, including individual grower consultation, group meetings, workshops and webinars, and a helpdesk service.

This project also included melon food safety surveillance, which was undertaken to assess food safety risks along the supply chain and predict the threat of any market failure. The findings were supportive of the industry’s ability to supply safe melons to consumers.

ACT NOW

Access the Watermelon food safety: A best practice guide and toolbox, along with additional information about:

• Critical control points along the watermelon supply chain, which includes information on sanitation and retail condition of cut melons
• Microbial risks and sanitising watermelons