Certifications

Our certifications confirm our commitment to safe, high-quality produce and ethical sourcing of labour at every step.

Oz Group’s Certifications

At Oz Group, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety, Quality Assurance (QA) and ethical sourcing across every stage of our operations — from farm to dispatch.

Our certifications demonstrate this commitment and ensure our customers and retail partners receive safe, high-quality produce grown and packed with integrity and care.

SQF (Safe Quality Food) – Edition 9

Oz Group operates under the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Code, a globally recognised GFSI Food Safety and Quality Management Standard.
This certification ensures that all products are handled, packed and stored under rigorous hygiene, traceability and quality control systems.
Oz Group is certified to the following SQF modules:

Module 2 – System Elements: Covers management responsibility, document control, verification, corrective actions and continuous improvement.
Module 10 – Pre-requisite Programs: Ensures effective control over hygiene, cleaning, pest management and maintenance practices.
Module 11 – Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): Focuses on operational controls including process flow, temperature control and contamination prevention.
Module 12 – Handling of Perishable Fresh Produce: Applies specifically to the handling, packing and storage of fresh produce to maintain product integrity and quality.
SQF certification is required by our retail partners ensuring Oz Group’s systems align with international food safety standards.

For further information, please click here https://www.sqfi.com/

HARPS (Harmonised Australian Retailer Produce Scheme) – Version 2.0

Oz Group holds HARPS certification, which aligns our operations with the harmonised food safety requirements of major Australian retailers including Woolworths, Coles, ALDI and Costco.

HARPS provides assurance that our retail-ready produce consistently meets high standards of safety, legality and quality through a single recognised framework.

For further information, please click here https://harpsonline.com.au/

Fair Farms

Oz Group is proudly certified under the Fair Farms Program, Australia’s leading ethical farming initiative.

This certification promotes fair, safe and lawful work practices, ensuring all workers are treated ethically and that employment conditions meet or exceed Australian workplace standards.

Fair Farms demonstrates Oz Group’s commitment to responsible employment, social compliance and long-term sustainability across our operations.

For further information, please click here https://www.fairfarms.com.au/

ICA-31 (Interstate Certification Assurance)

Oz Group’s ICA-31 accreditation (Part B) authorises the interstate movement of produce under Australian biosecurity and plant health requirements.

This certification verifies that all fruit is inspected and certified as pest and disease free for safe distribution.

For further information, please click here Interstate certification – Australian Interstate Quarantine

Our Commitment to Quality & Safety

Together, these certifications reflect Oz Group’s ongoing commitment to food safety, Quality Assurance (QA) and ethical sourcing across our entire supply chain.

Here’s a short overview of the certification bodies that help Oz Group Co-op stay compliant with food safety, quality, and environmental standards.

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Freshcare Certification

Freshcare is Australia’s largest on-farm assurance program that focuses on food safety and farming sustainability.

Oz Group Co-op Grower Members are all either Freshcare Certified or going through the Freshcare (or equivalent food safety) Certification. The Freshcare Food Safety and Quality Edition 4 is a Code of Practice that all growers must comply with in order to maintain their Freshcare Certification.

The growers are audited at their farm annually during harvest season where the auditor checks against Code Elements covering areas including (but not limited to): Water, Facilities and Equipment, Fertiliser and Chemicals, as well as Traceability records.

For further information, please click here https://www.freshcare.com.au/

At Oz Group, we are committed to delivering safe, high-quality fruit. Our produce undergoes regular chemical and microbiological testing, including Lead, Microbiological hazards, MRLs (Maximum Residue Limits), and Dithiocarbamates, at NATA-accredited laboratories, ensuring compliance with Australian and international food safety standards.

AUS-QUAL – Certification Body for Oz Group

AUS-QUAL is a leading Australian Certification Body, accredited by JAS-ANZ, specialising in food safety, quality and environmental management systems. AUS-QUAL provides independent auditing and certification across multiple schemes, including SQF, HARPS, Freshcare and Woolworths Supplier Excellence (WSE).

AUS-QUAL conducts Oz Group’s annual audits for SQF, HARPS and Freshcare, verifying that the Oz Group business and associated systems meet both GFSI and retailer-specific requirements. AUS-QUAL’s role provides third-party independent assurance and traceability recognised by major Australian retailers.

For further information, please click here https://www.ausqual.com.au/

SCI Qual – Certification Body for Growers

Oz Group retains the services of SCI Qual as the Certification Body for our growers. This ensures that our growers maintain compliance with food safety and quality standards consistently across the supply chain. We have an established partnership with SCI Qual, which allows us to ensure consistency in audit and compliance while managing costs efficiently and maintaining the high standards required by our customers. This collaboration provides a streamlined and cost-effective approach to grower auditing without compromising on quality or compliance.

For further information, please click here https://www.sciqual.com.au