Food safety programs

The requirements for food safety programs are outlined in the Code of Practice for dairy food safety. Food safety programs can be submitted to DFSV for approval. All dairy farms, dairy manufacturers, milk carriers and dairy distributors, must have an approved food safety program. These programs are audited regularly. You can download the Code of Practice for Dairy Food Safety from the DFSV website at www.dairysafe.vic.gov.au

Inspections and monitoring

Authorised officers have wide powers of inspection. They can:

enter and examine premises
detain and examine vehicles
request information
seize records
obtain samples,

and other powers as outlined in the Act. Authorised officers also have the power to order:

premises to be cleaned or disinfected
production of dairy foods to be ceased and
foods to be detained, destroyed or removed.

If inspectors are satisfied that any inspected dairy food inspected is unfit for human consumption, they may add any colouring material to the dairy food to make it unsaleable for human consumption, but not to make it unfit for use as food for animals). Failure to comply with instructions from an authorised officer is an offence carrying a maximum penalty of 120 penalty units. It is also an offence (with a penalty of 60 units) to refuse or neglect to assist an authorised officer or to supply false information.

Seizure and destruction of dairy food

If dairy food is seized or detained, owners of that food may apply to the Magistrates ' Court for its release. If the Court is satisfied that the dairy food is fit for human consumption, the Court will direct its release and may order DFSV to pay the costs of the proceedings and the seizure of the dairy food.

Export of Dairy Products

The DFSV website also has a link to the AQIS website which covers the requirements for export of dairy products, including dairy categories, export certificates, fees and charges and export forms.

The AQIS website (www.aqis.gov.au) contains details of specific country requirement for the import of dairy products. This part of the AQIS website is accessible to AQIS export registered establishments only.