Dairy Standard Agency

Information and Education

Project Manager: Mrs J Odendaal

Job Title: Technical Manager

Resources: Funded by Milk SA from statutory levy income

Project purpose

  • To plan and present educational programs based on the DSA Code of Practice and related guideline materials on an annual basis to student EHP’s and other related professions, on a national level, at all applicable tertiary institutions.
  • To arrange information sessions for government/municipal officials, milk producers, processors and distributors that acquire information regarding food safety and quality prerequisites on a national level.
  • To provide participants of information sessions access to dairy specific/technical information and legal requirements.
  • To contribute to the transformation[1] objectives of Milk SA.

Project description

  • Scheduled educational sessions with prospective EHP’s and other professions at all relevant tertiary institutions by means of the Dairy Standard Code of Practice are held.
  • DSA project assessment revealed that remedial actions launched as a result of Projects 1, 2, 3 and 5 are often limited due to the level of communication between the DSA, the public and private sector. This Project also focuses on the building and maintenance of relationships and creating an awareness of the Dairy Standard Agency with stakeholders. The goal also places the focus on:   

a. awareness of the DSA and its role and functions as an independent and objective organisation;

b. establishment of long-term partnerships to provide for effective means in addressing product non-      compliance in the dairy industry; 

c. improvement of milk quality and safety and compliance with legal standards in a collaborative manner.

Documents communicated during information sessions are:

  • DSA Code of Practice (COP) for the Secondary Industry and DSA Code of Practice for Milk Producers;
  • possible causes for non-conformances to the legal specifications (Troubleshooting guidelines);
  • labelling guidelines;
  • retail bulk tank milk guidelines and related DSA information brochures; and
  • Other dairy related legal and voluntary standards not covered in DSA guideline documentation

       Documents:

FOOTNOTES:

  1. DSA activities within the scope of this statutory project, directly and indirectly, contribute to the empowerment of the previously disadvantaged in view thereof that information sessions are predominantly attended by previously disadvantaged groups.