Different dairy products and processing methods pose varying food safety hazards and risks. Traditionally, Australia’s export dairy regulations have employed a one-size-fits-all approach, concentrating mainly on high-level food safety risks without considering other potential risk factors.
To improve the audit landscape, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, in collaboration with Dairy Australia and state jurisdictions, is developing a new risk-based audit framework for the dairy industry. This initiative is part of the Commonwealth-funded Dairy Export Assurance Program (DEAP).
The framework will incorporate risk-based modelling that considers a broader range of risk indicators. This change aims to better target regulatory interventions toward higher-risk activities while reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens.
The new approach also seeks to align export regulations more closely with domestic practices, promoting national consistency.
Changes under the new framework
The goal is to shift to a data-driven and risk-based regulatory model for all dairy manufacturers, both domestic and export. Instead of conducting audits every six months covering all elements, the audit scope will be adjusted based on an establishment’s risk level and performance.
A trial period will test the new regulatory model, identifying any unintended consequences and opportunities for improvement. The new approach must demonstrate the same or greater assurance in food safety and market access, show efficiencies in reducing unnecessary regulatory interventions and costs, and gain acceptance from state jurisdictions and international trading partners.
Further information will be provided to dairy processors shortly.