This factsheet covers:

General advice – Floodwater and leftover debris can be heavily contaminated with food safety and human health organisms

Water Sources – Check all water sources used for your property. Even those not directly impacted by flood water may need to be checked to ensure water quality is suitable for your intended use and safe before using. Contamination may be from sources many kilometres upstream.

Agricultural and other Chemicals – In a flood water event, chemical containers, fertiliser and soil additives may be immersed, bags soaked or product contaminated.

Facilities, Equipment and Tools – Businesses should also focus on ensuring thorough cleaning and disinfection/sanitation of all impervious surfaces, tools and equipment that have been in contact with floodwater.

Sourcing from alternate suppliers (emergency supplies) – Freshcare FSQ (F11.1) and SC Standards (M6) requires that materials and services that may introduce a food safety risk are managed and evidence of compliance is kept for suppliers of such materials and services

Biosecurity Considerations – In the aftermath of flooding, biosecurity may also be something you need to consider preventing the spread of disease or other contaminants to your growing sites.

Growing Sites & Re-planting – For growing sites affected by a flood event, planting must be scheduled to ensure the period between flood water subsiding and harvest exceeds 90 days for produce where the harvestable part is grown in, or has direct contact with the soil, and may be eaten uncooked.

Worker Training – Provide workers with updates on how your business is managing the current situation, including additional hygiene measures and site restrictions.

Incident management – If you have transitioned or commenced the transition to FSQ4.1 or FSQ4.2, Incident management (F14) is an important element.