Dairy products using raw milk

Raw milk cheese requirements

Standard 4.2.4 (Primary Production and Processing Standard for Dairy) allows the production and sale of certain cheeses made from unpasteurised milk.

The Standard requires strict controls across the entire supply chain—from milk production and transport to processing—to ensure the final product is safe. These controls build on the existing requirements in Standard 4.2.4.

Before Safe Food Victoria approves an application, businesses must demonstrate they can meet these requirements. Approved businesses are subject to more frequent auditing, testing and monitoring due to the higher risks associated with unpasteurised milk.

Dairy manufacturers

Manufacturers who want to produce raw milk cheese must:

• include the additional Standard 4.2.4 requirements in a documented and validated food safety program for Safe Food Victoria approval
• modify their premises to meet all requirements
• demonstrate that the final product:
  • does not support pathogen growth
  • does not increase pathogen levels during production

Use the Safe Food Victoria checklist for detailed requirements.

The Raw Milk Cheese Decision Support Tool can help you assess whether your product and process meet regulatory requirements.

Safe Food Victoria will work with you to confirm your validation approach. You must not start production until Safe Food Victoria approves your validation process and the entire supply chain (including milk supply and transport, if applicable).

Dairy farmers

Farmers producing milk for raw milk cheese must:

• update their food safety program to include additional Standard 4.2.4 requirements
• demonstrate to Safe Food Victoria that these controls are in place and effective

This includes managing animal health and identification, controlling inputs, improving milking hygiene, and meeting stricter microbiological criteria.

Safe Food Victoria must inspect and approve your premises and food safety program before you can start supplying milk.

Dairy carriers

If raw milk is transported from farm to factory, you must use a Safe Food Victoria‑approved dairy carrier.

Carriers must:

• include additional requirements in their food safety program for Safe Food Victoria approval
• modify tankers and cleaning equipment to meet requirements

These controls include temperature management and procedures to prevent cross-contamination between milk for raw milk cheese and other milk.

Safe Food Victoria must inspect and approve your vehicles and food safety program before you can transport raw milk for this purpose.

Dairy distributors

There are no additional raw milk cheese requirements for distributors beyond standard Safe Food Victoria licensing conditions.
If you distribute dairy products, you must hold a current Safe Food Victoria dairy distributor licence and comply with your approved food safety program.