Dairy manufacturer licence

1. Premises and equipment requirements
   Your manufacturing premises and equipment must be fit for purpose, well maintained, and able to be cleaned and sanitised effectively.
   They must comply with Standard 3.2.3 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
   Read the Hygienic design guidelines for dairy food manufacturing premises for more information.
   You may also need local council planning approval for new or modified premises.

2. Food safety program
   The Food Standards Code requires dairy manufacturers to control food safety hazards by implementing a documented food safety program.
   Your program must be based on HACCP principles as outlined in the Codex Alimentarius food hygiene guidelines.
   
   Your food safety program must describe the control measures and procedures you use to reduce or eliminate food safety hazards at each stage of the manufacturing process.

   Use the Food safety program guide for Victorian dairy manufacturers to help you write your program.
   Some businesses engage professional help to develop a food safety program. If you do, you must still understand the program and be able to implement it fully when you start operating.
   
   Your food safety program must include a microbiological testing program.
   Refer to the Compendium of microbiological criteria for food for guidance.

3. Additional requirements for producing raw milk cheese
   If you intend to produce raw milk cheese, you must meet the additional requirements under Standard 4.2.4.
   These requirements must be addressed in a documented and validated food safety program and approved by SFV.
   Read the raw milk cheese requirements and checklist for more information.
   

4. Additional requirements for milk not intended for human consumption
   If you receive raw milk directly from a farm and produce dairy products not intended for human consumption, you must be licensed with SFV.
   These products must be treated to deter human consumption and packaged so they cannot be confused with food intended for people.
   You must provide a plan outlining how you will meet these requirements for SFV approval.

5. Requirements for exporting dairy products
   If you plan to export dairy products, contact the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.
   Exporting businesses must meet the requirements of the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Orders 2005 and be registered with the department.
   To assess whether you are ready to export, use the Dairy Australia Trade Ready portal.

6. Ensure adequate skills
   Ensure you have the necessary skills and competency to manage all the food safety aspects of your business.
   

Application assessment timeframes

Allow up to 90 days for Safe Food Victoria (SFV) to assess a manufacturing licence application.

To help process your application, make sure that:

• the application form is complete and includes the correct payment
• you provide a food safety program that meets SFV requirements
  (see Developing a food safety program: guidelines for dairy food manufacturers)

Providing additional information

After you submit your application, you have 14 days to provide any outstanding information.

If you do not provide the required details within this time, SFV may:

• refuse your application, and
• refund the application fee.

SFV may request changes to your food safety program. If this happens, you must return the updated program within 30 days.

If you do not respond within 30 days, SFV may refuse your application and the application fee may be forfeited.

Delays and cancelled applications

If regulatory requirements are not met, SFV may not be able to complete the assessment within the standard timeframe.

In these cases, the application may be cancelled three months after the application date, unless an extension is approved. d:

• you will be notified in writing
• the application will be refused
• you will need to submit a new application
• no refund will be issued

Guidance

SFV has developed a range of guidance documents that provide practical information on food safety topics relevant to operating a dairy business.

Technical advice

SFV provides specialist support services to licensees, including:

• interpretation of regulations and standards
• risk analysis
• technical and scientific advice

Learning Network forums

All Victorian dairy manufacturers are invited to attend SFV Learning Network forums.

Forums are held twice a year at locations across Victoria, including metropolitan Melbourne and regional areas. They cover a range of current food safety topics relevant to the dairy industry.

To register your interest in upcoming forums email Safe Food Victoria.

Other information and resources

A range of regulatory and technical resources is also available on this site.