On World Food Safety Day, which highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and integrity of the global food supply, it is essential to recognize the contribution of organizations like the International Dairy Federation (IDF). For over a century, IDF has played a pivotal role in developing science-based standards that protect consumers’ health and promote transparency and trust across the dairy supply chain.
In the dairy industry, which is directly linked to public health, nutrition, and global trade, the existence of scientifically based and internationally harmonized standards is vital. Since 1903, the International Dairy Federation (IDF) has served as the global expert body in this sector, playing a key role in the development of international standards. These standards not only ensure consumer safety but also foster trust among producers, regulators, and consumers, and form the foundation for fair and safe international trade.
IDF collaborates with renowned international organizations such as Codex Alimentarius, ISO, FAO, WHO, and WOAH, and is recognized as a technical expert in the field of milk and dairy products. The following outlines the four key areas of IDF’s activities related to standardization:
- Food Standards
- Active collaboration with Codex Alimentarius since 1963 as a technical advisor
- Support for the development of compositional standards for dairy products
- Contribution to standards on labeling, analytical methods, and food import/export
- Advocacy for aligning food additive standards with the needs of the dairy industry
- Methods of Analysis & Sampling
- Joint development of standards with ISO for assessing the quality, safety, and composition of milk and dairy products
- Testing conducted across the production chain—from farm to final product
- Focus on key analytical areas including: organoleptic properties (appearance, taste, smell), composition (fat, protein, solids), and physical, chemical, hygienic tests, as well as fraud detection and drug residue analysis
- Development of standards for statistical evaluation of analytical methods and quality control throughout the production chain
- Animal Health & Welfare
- Emphasis on animal welfare as a pillar for producing safe, high-quality milk
- Assessment of the impact of animal diseases on production and public health
- Collaboration with OIE and ISO to develop animal welfare-related standards
- Engagement with Stakeholders and International Bodies
- Codex Alimentarius: Contribution to drafting dairy product standards
- FAO: Cooperation in areas such as animal health, food safety, dairy policy, and hygiene
- ISO: Long-standing partnership in joint development of analytical standards
- WOAH (OIE): Knowledge sharing on animal diseases, welfare, and food safety
IDF plays a pivotal role in enhancing safety, quality, fair trade, and transparency in the dairy sector through the development of science-based standards, collaboration with global institutions, and support for both animal and consumer health.
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