Natures Fruit Company is certified as complying with the Woolworths Vendor Quality Management System Version 10 (WVQMS). It is available by invitation only and focuses on the product quality and food safety of individual products.
Along with the WVQMS Natures Fruit Company is also certified as complying
with the AS/NZS ISO 9002:1994 standard and CODEX HACCP Principles.
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points is an internationally recognised preventative
approach to manage Food Safety hazards and forms the cornerstone of Natures
Fruit Company's Food Safety Program.
Elements of the “Approved Supplier Program”
FARM SUPPLIES
Purchasing
Control over materials used as crop inputs (eg. Crop protectants) will be maintained by purchasing only those products which have a clear specification and are appropriately registered for use on the crop. Incoming goods,to the orchard, will be checked by the grower to ensure they conform to order requirements.
FRUIT PRODUCTION
Handling, Storage and Delivery
The methods developed to handle and store fruit on farm must be aimed at ensuring the best possible quality of fruit is delivered to the packing shed. For example, harvested fruit should not be left in the full sun for long periods of time; animals should not be allowed to come in contact with the harvested fruit, etcetera.
Food Safety
The responsible use of crop protectants and management of food safety issues in fruit production is of the utmost importance in ensuring food safety and quality to the customer, and maximising returns to the grower. Growers must use appropriate crop protectant application procedures, and record usage in a spray diary (NFC’s Spray Diary, Avoman spray records or equivalent). The chemical residue testing carried out by Natures Fruit Company on behalf of growers, is the verification that crop protectant inputs do not exceed the Maximum Residue Limits set by regulatory authorities. Members will be provided with a copy of their chemical residue testing results, to be kept with their spray diary.