Indoor Farming and Food Safety: Insights from the FAO’s Global Review

Indoor farming, including vertical farms, hydroponics and aquaponics, is gaining traction worldwide as a way to produce fresh food year-round. 

So much so that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has released its first global review of food safety in these systems, warning that while they bring benefits, they also introduce unique risks. For Australia, the findings highlight the importance of adapting food safety practices as farming methods evolve.

Why indoor farming is ‘growing’

Indoor farming addresses several challenges associated with traditional farming methods, including: limited land, variable climate, crop-destroying pests and unsustainable food supply chains.

In Australia, where drought and transport distances can make fresh produce expensive, indoor farming offers opportunities for local, reliable supply. However, as the FAO report shows, controlled environments require careful management to keep food safe.

Key food safety risks in indoor farming systems

According to the FAO, the main risks include:

• Water contamination: Shared water supplies in hydroponics can spread pathogens quickly if not tested and treated regularly
• Environmental controls: Artificial lighting and humidity, if poorly managed, can encourage microbial growth
• Plant growing materials: Coconut fibre, rockwool and other soil alternatives can harbour bacteria if not sanitised before use
• Handling and storage: Produce can still be contaminated during harvesting, packaging and distribution without strict hygiene protocols

How indoor farming is regulated in Australia

Australia’s food industry is regulated under the Food Standards Code, managed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). While the Code applies to all food businesses, there are no specific standards designed for indoor or vertical farming. This means indoor farms must apply general rules, which may not fully address their unique risks.

FAO recommendations for safer indoor farming

The FAO’s report urges countries to:

1. Strengthen water monitoring and management
2. Develop targeted guidelines for indoor systems
3. Invest in research to identify emerging risks
4. Provide worker training for safe handling in high-tech environments

For Australia, this aligns with the need for training and oversight under FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A, which requires food businesses to implement stronger food safety practices.

Why it matters for Australian businesses

Indoor farming could reduce reliance on imports and strengthen food security in Australia. But without strong safety standards, new risks could undermine consumer confidence and put them at an increased risk of suffering from a food-borne illness. 

Food businesses should prepare by:

• Reviewing supplier protocols for water and material safety
• Ensuring Food Safety Supervisor training is applied to indoor farming practices
• Staying engaged with FSANZ updates and international guidance

Indoor farming presents exciting opportunities for Australia’s food supply, but it must be matched with strong food safety oversight. By combining FSANZ standards with FAO recommendations, Australian food businesses can embrace innovation without compromising safety.

The Australian Institute of Food Safety (AIFS) offers practical resources to keep you informed about the newest food safety trends worldwide. Begin by checking out more of our latest blogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does FSANZ regulate indoor farming?

A. Yes, indoor farms fall under the Food Standards Code, but there are no rules specific to hydroponics or vertical farming yet.

Q. Are indoor farms safer than outdoor farms?

A. Not necessarily. They reduce risks of food supply issues stemming from weather and pests, but they introduce new risks related to water management, microbial growth and food handling.

Q. Why are soil alternatives a concern?

A. Materials like rockwool and coconut fibre can harbour bacteria if not sanitised before use, spreading contamination to crops.

Q. What can Australian businesses do now?

A. Australian businesses can ensure food safety by reviewing supplier protocols for water and material safety when sourcing produce from indoor farms and stay engaged with FSANZ to ensure you are aware of any updates relating to indoor farming requirements. 

Additionally, you can ensure food safety by complying with FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A relating to food safety management tools and training.