The Victorian statutory authority that regulates the safety of dairy products across the dairy supply chain in Victoria.
The Victorian statutory authority that regulates the safety of dairy products across the dairy supply chain in Victoria. Dairy Food Safety Victoria (DFSV) is the independent statutory authority responsible for regulating dairy food safety in Victoria. It operates under Victorian dairy legislation to license and audit businesses across the dairy chain, from farms and carriers through to manufacturers and distributors, so that dairy products are safe and suitable. DFSV's remit covers dairy farmers, milk tankers and carriers, and dairy manufacturers such as cheese makers and processors. It sets and enforces dairy-specific standards, requires licensees to operate food safety programs, and relies on third-party auditing to verify compliance. Its focus is the specialised risks of milk and dairy production rather than general food retail. In practice, a Victorian dairy farm, milk carrier or cheese factory holds a DFSV licence, runs an approved food safety program tailored to dairy, and is audited to confirm hygiene, temperature control and traceability are maintained. New producers work with DFSV to understand which licence category applies before they begin supplying. Licences are renewed on a cycle and DFSV can take action, including suspension, where standards are not met. Operators use DFSV guidance on matters such as raw milk handling, pasteurisation and cold chain management, and coordinate with the authority on any product safety issues affecting dairy. A boutique cheese maker in Gippsland holds a Dairy Food Safety Victoria licence, follows an audited food safety program covering pasteurisation and storage, and keeps records that let it trace each batch back to the supplying farm.
Frequently asked questions
What does Dairy Food Safety Victoria regulate?
It regulates the safety of dairy products across the Victorian dairy chain, licensing and auditing farms, carriers and manufacturers such as cheese makers and processors.
Do dairy farmers need a licence?
Yes. Dairy farms supplying milk in Victoria generally need to be licensed by Dairy Food Safety Victoria and to operate an approved food safety program.
Does DFSV regulate meat or general food?
No. DFSV regulates dairy only. Meat and poultry are handled by PrimeSafe, and general retail food by local councils.
Is auditing required for dairy licensees?
Yes. Dairy businesses must maintain a food safety program that is independently audited to confirm dairy safety standards are being met.
Who do I contact to start a dairy business in Victoria?
Contact Dairy Food Safety Victoria to identify the correct licence category and food safety program requirements before you begin producing or carrying dairy.
