The Dairy Standard Agency (DSA) is an independent non-profit entity that promotes the improvement of the quality and safety of milk and other dairy products in South Africa. This is achieved by conducting its pre-determined objectives, strategies and processes based on objective and scientific sound principles. 

The main activities consist of:

• Monitoring of dairy products for compliance with legal standards based on scientific methods;
• Liaison and communication with relevant stakeholders to assist in the process of improvement and maintenance of dairy product quality;
• Food safety audits and provision of scientific based dairy technical information to stakeholders in the dairy industry.

In protecting the DSA’s integrity, in line with good corporate governance practices, the organisation will:

• On an ongoing basis assess potential risks;
• Create an awareness and control over key risks;
• Implement control activities to mitigate risk to an acceptable level;
• Improve the allocation of resources to areas of exposure of higher risk.

VISION

• The establishment and maintenance of successful national milk and other dairy product monitoring program;
• The establishment and maintenance of fully equipped industry laboratory for providing the industry with reference materials and testing of milk and other dairy products against product composition, food safety and metrology standards;
• The establishment and maintenance of a remedial action program for regular contraveners of legal standards;
• Identification of non-conformances in the industry in respect of milk and other dairy products;
• The establishment and maintenance of an effective communication program with stakeholders concerned;
• The establishment and maintenance of a good working relationship with all stakeholders concerned.

VALUE PROPOSITION

• Ethical behaviour;
• Integrity, honesty and loyalty;
• Balanced and professional work standards;
• Acceptance of responsibility and accountability;
• A positive public image;
• Ensure confidence from the stakeholders and public;
• Respect confidential nature of information;
• Striving for and maintaining credibility.

Documents available:

Dairy Standard Agency Strategic Approach and Project Plan for 2024