What is Dairy Food Safety Victoria?

Dairy Food Safety Victoria (DFSV) is a Statutory Authority established by the Victorian Parliament under the Dairy Act 2000, reporting to the Minister for Agriculture. As the independent regulator of Victoria’s dairy industry, DFSV is responsible for the safety of all dairy foods produced in Victoria for domestic and export markets. DFSV licenses all participants in the dairy industry from the farm through to manufacturing and distribution.

For more information go to About DFSV on the DFSV website.

Who needs to be licensed in the dairy industry?

A licence from Dairy Food Safety Victoria (DFSV) is required for anyone wishing to produce milk for sale or be involved in its production, transport, manufacture or distribution. This includes but is not limited to milk from cows, sheep, goats and buffalo. The following businesses and vehicles operating in the dairy industry sector need to be licensed by DFSV:

• dairy farmers
• dairy manufacturers including milk brokers
• dairy food carriers
• dairy distributors

For further details go to Licensing on the DFSV website.

Why do I need a dairy industry licence and what are the benefits?

Holding a current and valid licence is your authorisation to operate and trade in the Victorian dairy industry. This is a requirement by law under the Dairy Act 2000. A dairy industry licence provides identity and legitimacy, inhibits unregulated entry to the industry and offers industry and consumer protection and security. Licence holders receive considerable benefits through Dairy Food Safety Victoria services that help the Victorian dairy industry maintain and enhance its reputation for safety and quality.

For more information on services provided by Dairy Food Safety Victoria go to Products & Services on the DFSV website.

How do I get licensed to operate a dairy business in Victoria?

The licensing authority for the dairy industry is Dairy Food Safety Victoria (DFSV). Prior to commencing business operations, you must complete an application form and submit this to DFSV. An appointment with a DFSV Food Safety Manager will be organised to inspect your premises and confirm that a Food Safety Program appropriate to your business is in place. If all requirements have been met and the licence conditions are clearly understood, then a dairy industry licence will be issued. This licence should be displayed in a prominent place – it is your passport to trade.

For full details go to Licensing on the DFSV website. Download the Licence Information Kit for your dairy business category which provides more details including the current fee structure and requirements.

If I manufacture a range of foods on my site including dairy foods, who should I be licensed with?

If you have a mixed business where dairy food and other food is manufactured, packed or distributed from your premises, Dairy Food Safety Victoria (DFSV) will determine the appropriate Licensing Authority for your mixed business (it is only necessary to hold one food licence). You need to speak with a DFSV Food Safety Manager to discuss the specific details relating to your individual business.

For further details go to Licensing on the DFSV website or call DFSV on 03 9810 5900.

If I operate more than one site as part of my dairy business, does each site need a separate licence?

A dairy business with more than one site will need to have each site licensed separately with Dairy Food Safety Victoria (DFSV). This is because your Food Safety Program relates to the nature of the business operating at a particular site and in most cases no two premises operate in the same way.

For further details go to Licensing on the DFSV website.

If I manufacture cheese on the same site as my dairy farm is a separate licence needed for this?

A dairy farm that has a manufacturing operation on the same site will need to obtain two separate licences from Dairy Food Safety Victoria. The dairy farm and dairy manufacturing operation each require a separate Food Safety Program and the requirements for each will be different.

For further details go to Licensing on the DFSV website.

Can I export dairy foods if I’m licensed with Dairy Food Safety Victoria?

A dairy business currently or intending to export dairy food must meet the requirements detailed in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Orders 2005 and will need to be registered with the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). Once export registration has been granted, Dairy Food Safety Victoria (DFSV) will audit an export registered establishment on behalf of AQIS at the same time as they conduct a regular DFSV audit, so you will not need to be audited separately.

For more details on the exporting of dairy food and registration requirements, go to the AQIS website and click Exporting from Australia.

Does my dairy licence allow me to sell dairy products at a farmers market?

Your dairy industry licence does not permit you to sell dairy products at a local farmers market. If you intend to sell dairy products at a farmers market, you will need to be registered with the local council in the area where the market is operating. Contact your local council office for further details and requirements.

How do I cancel my dairy industry licence?

If you are no longer operating in the dairy industry you must submit a request to cancel your dairy licence in writing to Dairy Food Safety Victoria. A pro rata refund of the licence fee will apply upon written application requesting a refund.

For contact details, go to Contact Us on the DFSV website.