Red Tractor opens consultation on proposed Fresh Produce Standards changes

Red Tractor has opened a stakeholder consultation on proposed changes to its Fresh Produce Standards, with growers and industry stakeholders encouraged to have their say.

The consultation follows a comprehensive review of the standards, informed by the independent UK Farm Assurance Review and Red Tractor's Fresh Produce Sector Strategy.

The review aims to reduce the audit burden on growers, simplify requirements and ensure food safety standards remain proportionate to crop risk. A key objective is to enable assessors to spend more time reviewing practical activities on farm and less time checking paperwork.

In total, 717 standards and audit points have been reviewed, with proposals including:

• 78 points proposed for removal to help streamline requirements.
• 49 new points proposed, the majority relating to higher-risk crops and incorporating requirements from the Leafy Salads Add-on.
• Consolidation of duplicated requirements across harvesting and site operations, including hygiene, training and visitor management.

The consultation runs throughout November and December 2026, providing an opportunity for growers, retailers and industry bodies to comment on the proposals before they are finalised.

Feedback will be reviewed in early 2027, with Version 6 of the Red Tractor Fresh Produce Standards expected to come into effect in late 2027.

Have your say

Members are encouraged to review the proposed changes and submit their feedback through the consultation.

Take part in the Red Tractor Fresh Produce consultation

Further information is available in Red Tractor's consultation announcement.