Audits completed across the dairy supply chain are trending a little higher year-to-date in comparison with 2022.
Dairysafe’s audit team has completed 190 audits (YTD) covering dairy farm, milk transport and dairy processor businesses. This represents a 40% increase in the number of audits completed compared to 2022 (YTD).
As with many other industries. the dairy industry continues to be challenged by staff shortages due to illness and difficulties with retention and recruitment. Dairysafe maintains regular contact with farmers and dairy manufacturers to ensure this situation isn’t negatively impacting process controls and food safety outcomes.
The collaborative approach between industry and Dairysafe continues to see compliance rates trend favourably in comparison to previous years. There have been 15 major and 2 minor non-conformances identified year-to-date for 2023, compared to 19 and 8 for the same period in 2022.
Farm audit outcomes 2023: As of the middle of July, 137 farm audits have been completed, with no non-conformances raised. This result verifies SA dairy farms are continuing to deliver excellent milk safety and quality trends and validates Dairysafe’s collaborative approach.
Dairy processor audit outcomes 2023: As of the middle of July, 49 processor audits have been completed, with 15 major and 2 minor non-conformances being raised. Thirteen of the dairy processor audits have been compliance audits undertaken to verify the efficacy of corrective and preventative actions relating to non-conformances identified.
Non-compliance trends in processing illustrate additional focus is required for:
- Good Hygiene Practices (GHP)
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Document control
- Construction
- Approved arrangements (for export registered businesses).
Export sector audit outcomes 2023: Included in the dairy processor audit numbers are 24 audits of export-registered dairy processor businesses.
Transport audit outcomes 2023: As of the middle of July, 4 transport audits have been completed, with no non-conformances raised.
Overall, food safety standards for the SA dairy sector are very positive with no SA dairy products with pathogens at retail level, no antibiotic residue in finished dairy products, and no foodborne illness associated with SA dairy products.