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MARCH 2026: MOVING FORWARD
Welcome to the March 2026 edition of the Pinnacle Pulse Newsletter!
As we progress through the year, March is a time to accelerate our efforts and reinforce the strong groundwork established at the start of 2026. This month, we’re bringing you timely updates and practical insights across Food Safety, Quality, WHS and Environment to support continuous improvement and confident compliance.
If you prefer to watch or listen to the newsletter you can get it here: https://youtu.be/JKGav4jhGfs
In This Newsletter
FOOD SAFETY
Zero to HACCP™ Masterclass Live and Interactive!
On 23 February, we launched our first Zero to HACCP Masterclass. If you missed it, you'll get on-demand access, but the magic happens live.
This is an interactive session where you ask questions specific to your business, get real-time answers, and walk away with a clear, no-fluff pathway from zero HACCP to a compliant HACCP system. Real scenarios. Live Q&A. Clarity you won't get from a recording.
We can't guarantee we'll offer this live again. If you want the full experience, join us on the 20th March 2026, at 10 am ACDT.
Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/274bc63c-fdc8-49d0-a3d5-f2994d3ce0aa@6e600843-92b1-47ec-b618-6d9591ab976d
Or if you're ready to go further, join us for our HACCP AcceleratorTM program kicks off in April. Structured coaching to get your system built, implemented, and audit-ready.
Secure your spot, places are limited to 10 only.
Learn more here: https://www.pinnaclems.com.au/food-safety-coaching
We’re excited to support you on your HACCP journey.
SQF Edition 10 Has Arrived!
SQF Code Edition 10 was released earlier this month. This update represents one of the most significant revisions to the SQF Code in recent years. It aligns with the latest GFSI benchmarking requirements and shifts the focus toward risk-based systems, proactive management, and measurable food safety culture.
Many facilities are already asking: What’s changed? How do we prepare without disrupting operations?
Key Changes in Edition 10
These updates aim to ensure food safety systems remain proactive, data driven and embedded across the organisation, rather than relying solely on procedures and documentation.
What should you do now?
The good news? You have time to prepare. Expected audit start date: January 2, 2027
We’re currently preparing a range of SQF Edition 10 support resources, including:
These resources will be available on our website next month.
In the meantime, our team can support your organisation with SQF Edition 10 gap assessments, food safety system updates and internal audits, helping you transition smoothly and confidently to the new requirements.
Recalls Round Up
Australian food recall alerts for February 2026
- Harvest Road Oceans Pty Ltd. - Albany Rock Oysters: Presence of Microbial (E. coli) contamination.
- La Vera Group Pty Ltd, trading as La Vera Cheese - La Vera Fresh Ricotta 500g: Potential microbial (E. coli) contamination.
- The Trustee for Mankuzhikari Family Trust- Malabar Treats Jackfruit Green 300g: Presence of chemical (Monocrotophos) contamination.
- Nestle Australia Ltd. - MILO Dipped Snack bars and MILO Original Snack Bars: Presence of foreign matter (black rubber).
- Kagro NSW Pty Ltd- Pinkfong Seasoned Seaweed Flakes 40g: Presence of foreign matter (plastic).
QUALITY
ISO 9001:2026 Prepare for the Next Revision
ISO has commenced work on the next revision of ISO 9001, with the updated standard expected to be released in 2026.
While the core structure of the Quality Management System (QMS) will remain familiar, the revision is expected to clarify requirements and ensure the standard continues to support organisations in managing quality, risk and performance in an evolving business environment.
The updated standard is expected to place greater emphasis on:
Once published, organisations currently certified to ISO 9001:2015 are expected to have a three-year transition period to move to the new version. While this may seem like ample time, early preparation will help make the transition smoother.
What should you do now?
Taking proactive steps now will help organisations position their Quality Management Systems for a smooth transition once the revised standard is released.
How we can help:
Our team can support your organisation with ISO 9001 transition planning, gap assessments, QMS updates and auditor training, ensuring you are well prepared for the move to ISO 9001:2026.
Contact Nicole for any questions or if you would like to be on the waitlist for the ISO 9001 transition toolkit or gap analysis.
WORK HEALTH and SAFETY
Emerging WHS Issues
1. AI and Emerging Technology Risks
Artificial intelligence and automation are beginning to influence how organisations identify and manage workplace risks. AI can strengthen the risk assessment process by analysing large volumes of data, identifying patterns and helping organisations develop more effective controls.
However, it can also introduce new risks. Algorithmic decision-making occurs when systems use programmed rules or machine-learning models to analyse data and generate recommendations with limited human input. If the data is incomplete, biased or poorly interpreted, this can lead to incorrect conclusions about hazards or appropriate controls.
There are also emerging concerns around increased worker monitoring and the potential stress associated with digital surveillance.
As organisations adopt AI in safety management, these insights must be balanced with the experience and judgement of people who understand the workplace and the work being performed. Consultation with workers is critical to ensure technology-driven insights reflect real work practices and that any new risks introduced by AI are properly identified and managed.
2. Psychosocial Hazards Continue to Dominate the Agenda
Psychological health remains a major regulatory focus across Australia. Regulators are increasingly enforcing duties relating to psychosocial hazards, including work-related stress, bullying, sexual harassment, and excessive workloads.
Peak safety bodies are now advocating for sexual harassment to be treated explicitly as a preventable WHS risk, reinforcing the expectation that organisations manage these risks through formal WHS systems.
3. Expanded Incident Reporting – Including Psychological Harm
New regulatory updates are broadening WHS incident notification obligations. Employers may now need to report events such as workplace violence, suicide, or attempted suicide linked to work, and long absences due to work-related psychological injury. This signals a clear shift toward recognising mental health injuries as equivalent to physical workplace injuries.
4. Climate-Related Safety Risks (Heat and Environmental Exposure)
With rising temperatures and extreme weather events, there is an increasing focus on managing heat stress and environmental exposure risks. Updated professional guidance emphasises improved monitoring technologies and stronger controls for outdoor and high-temperature workplaces.
ENVIRONMENT
ISO 14001:2026 The Countdown Has Begun
ISO has officially begun the countdown to the next revision of ISO 14001, with the updated standard expected to be released in 2026.
The core framework of the Environmental Management System (EMS) will remain familiar, the revision will strengthen the focus on today’s most pressing environmental challenges and clarify several requirements to improve consistency and performance.
The updated standard is expected to place greater emphasis on:
- climate change considerations,
- environmental performance outcomes,
- lifecycle impacts across products and services,
- supply chain environmental impacts,
- leadership accountability, and
- management of environmental risks and opportunities.
These updates aim to ensure Environmental Management Systems remain relevant in addressing evolving sustainability expectations and regulatory pressures.
Once published, organisations currently certified to ISO 14001:2015 will have a three-year transition period to move to the new version. While this may seem like ample time, early preparation will make the transition far smoother.
What should you do now?
- Begin reviewing environmental risks, including climate impacts, biodiversity and resource use
- Strengthen lifecycle and supply chain environmental considerations
- Review environmental objectives and performance indicators
- Ensure leadership engagement in environmental strategy and oversight
Taking proactive steps now will help organisations position their Environmental Management Systems for a seamless transition once the revised standard is published.
How we can help:
Our team can support your organisation with ISO 14001 transition planning, gap assessments, EMS updates and auditor training, ensuring you are well prepared for the move to ISO 14001:2026.
Contact Nicole for any questions you have or if you would like to be on the waitlist for our transition toolkit or gap analysis.
