Dairy Food Safety Victoria (DFSV) is the independent regulator of food safety for the Victorian dairy industry, ensuring that national food safety standards are met. DFSV is responsible for licensing dairy farms, manufacturers, carriers and distributors, and approving and ensuring compliance with dairy food safety programs. Our licensing authority extends through all parts of the dairy chain from farm through to delivery of product.

Vision
‘The Victorian dairy industry’s reputation for food safety and integrity of production makes our products internationally preferred.’

Mission
‘The independent Authority to regulate dairy food safety.’

Values

• Transparency, independence and integrity in our partnerships with stakeholders
• Continuous improvement of our performance in all that we do
• Being creative and innovative in developing and delivering services
• Treating people fairly and giving them the opportunity to grow

Our Business Philosophies:

Fostering strong industry partnerships

The 2003 stakeholder survey showed that the Victorian Dairy Licence is increasingly valued by industry. Industry and DFSV have worked together in a spirit of active cooperation to ensure that all industry participants are licensed and aware of their obligations under Victorian legislation. The organisation takes every opportunity to strengthen its ties with industry through seminars and workshops, sponsorship of industry events, visits, meetings, publications and being responsive to their queries.

Commercial realities and the value of the dairy licence

The Government has established DFSV as the independent authority accountable for ensuring the safety of dairy food products. Its goal is a growing reputation for safe dairy food products and substantial economic benefits that follow. The dairy licence is central to Victoria’s strategy for dairy food safety and is the passport for all industry participants to trade in dairy foods. DFSV is working hard to link the dairy licence to an industry reputation for unrivalled food safety.

Clearly defined products and services

DFSV’s products and services are designed to maintain the standards for dairy food safety established under the Dairy Act 2000. We have a commitment to working in partnership with industry and to using risk analysis of trends and patterns of food safety to enable a preventative based approach rather than compliance approach to be pursued. Wherever possible, DFSV takes advantage of its networks to deliver more responsive and cost effective services.

Deliver regulation, not only inspection

DFSV’s preferred mode of operation is to work constructively with all licensed operators to obtain pragmatic outcomes that assure the highest standards of dairy food safety. We are not reliant solely on the results of audits or inspections, but also take a strategic, preventative approach to food safety issues. However, the Authority will not hesitate to use its full powers under the Act where repeated failure to meet agreed standards occurs or where there is a clear threat to food safety or the dairy industry’s reputation.

Work to unify and simplify food standards nationally

DFSV is committed to achieving a national framework for dairy food safety based on international best principles. The key objective is to achieve consistency in standards and to reduce compliance costs for industry. To this end, DFSV is taking a strong leadership role in setting the national agenda for dairy food safety standards and, more generally, in national regulatory forums for food safety.

Independence, tempered with fairness and common sense

DFSV values its ability to focus solely on dairy food safety as its core business. It understands however, that to be credible, it must develop a reputation for trustworthiness, fairness and common sense and exhibit a sense of vision in line with industry thinking. However, it must retain total independence to discharge its role fully, while mindful that industry is its sole financial supporter.

Promote integrity and excellence in operations

DFSV’s only asset is its staff. In order to deliver excellence, the organisation follows a strategy of recruitment and development of its people on three levels: technical expertise, responsive customer service, and honesty and integrity in all dealings.

Vigilance, not complacency

Experience shows that a breakdown in food safety at any point in the chain has severe consequences for all other participants. So, regardless of industry’s past record, the Victorian scheme to assure dairy food safety will evolve over time. New threats emerge continually and market requirements change. DFSV is committed to continual surveillance of incidents and trends at home and abroad. It will act instantly where needed to protect our industry.