The new Dairysafe audit system has delivered an improvement in compliance both on farm and at dairy processing businesses.
The new system and approach to auditing has seen Dairysafe concentrate on assisting businesses to achieve outcomes through a collaborative approach both in general and during audits. This includes supporting businesses with onsite calibration and internal audits, advice on pest control, and providing technical support and direction on testing outcomes.
At mid-October, there had been 16 minor and 11 major non-conformances issued from 209 audits (year to date). This represents non-conformance ratings of 7% for minor and 5.3% for major non-conformances, which compares favourably to ratings of 111% for minor and 13% for major non-conformances in 2020.
“The audit process is focussed on facilitating outcomes rather than a big stick approach and we’re finding this approach is successful for both building relationships and improving audit results,” said Geoff Raven, CEO of Dairysafe.
Dairysafe is also providing more feedback to individual businesses, and the additional detail contained in audit reports has been well received. This includes enhanced clarity in the audit summary and easily identifiable ratings, and a new focus on providing positive feedback, which has been favourably received.
In terms of audit trends at dairy processors, non-conformances identified have found more work is needed on regular calibration, accurate HACCP plans, and maintenance.
In terms of audit trends on farm, non-conformances included the ability to locate the food safety program at the time of audit, having appropriate vendor declarations for purchased stockfeed, and training records for staff.