Theland A2 β-casein Whole Milk (200mL)

The Farm

Farm Assurances- A2 Milk

The raw milk used in the production of the A2 product, is sourced from selected dairy farms within the South-Eastern Corner of Australia.

The herds supplying the milk naturally produce the A2-β casein milk protein.

Routine surveillance and monitoring of the raw milk supply from the farm ensure ongoing compliance.

Farm Assurances- Animal Welfare

All animals must be clearly identified through the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) - Australia's system for identifying and tracking dairy cattle.

Farms must meet their obligations under the Australian legislation including the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Cattle (2014) to ensure that all aspects of animal health and welfare are considered. This includes performing health checks on the animals and having systems in place to isolate any unhealthy animals from the herd.

The animals must have access to fresh, clean water at all times. This includes providing to water to the herd when grazing on paddocks and near the milking sheds.

The farm must provide the herd with adequate protection from extreme heat or cold temperatures, protection can include topographical features such as hedges and trees that provide shelter.

Farm Assurances- Milk Supply

All milk supplier farms are required under the Dairy Act 2000 to be licensed with the relevant State Authority.

In Victoria this is Dairy Food Safety Victoria (DFSV) and in New South Wales this is the (NSW) Food Authority.

The farms must comply with the conditions of the licence which includes:

• Demonstrating compliance with the relevant provisions of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
•  Having a food safety program which is routinely audited by the relevant State authority.
• A requirement to filter and chill the milk to below 5°C within 3.5 hours from the start of milking to ensure freshness and prevention of microbial growth.
• Keeping milk chilled while stored on the farm awaiting collection.

Farm Assurances- Water Use

Water used in the milking shed must be suitable for use and the farm should hold records of any testing.

Dairy Carriers-Assurances

Dairy carriers (milk tankers) are required under legislation to comply with provisions within The Food Act 1984, The Dairy Act and The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (FSANZ).

Regulatory controls include:

• The dairy carrier must adhere to a documented food safety program through all stages from collection, transportation, and delivery.
• Prior to collecting the milk at the farm, the tanker driver is responsible for taking a sample of the milk.
• The milk is transported to the factory in tankers which maintain the temperature of the chilled milk.
• Keeping records to ensure traceability of milk. This includes the tanker details, date and time of milk collection, temperature of milk, description and quantity of milk collected and delivery destination.
• Once the delivery is made the tanker is cleaned in place (CIP) with approved chemicals and potable water.

Dairy Carriers-A2 Assurances

Dedicated tankers collect the milk from the selected A2 milk supply farms.

The driver takes a sample from each farm and delivers it back to the factory where it can be tested to ensure compliance to the required specification.

The Factory

Factory Assurances

On arrival at the factory a sample of the chilled milk is taken from the tanker and checked for quality.

The milk is not accepted if it fails to meet required specifications.

The raw A2 milk is kept segregated in dedicated silos.

Once approved for use, the milk is standardised, and heat treated to achieve commercial sterility.

The milk is aseptically packed into individual tamper-proof Tetra Pak cartons.

Each brick (individual unit) is individually coded for traceability.

Regulatory Assurances 

The Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021 require that water used within the factory must be potable.

Water potability standards are prepared by the National Health and Medical Research Council and activities must be undertaken to verify the quality of water against the Australia Drinking Water Guidelines.

In addition to company- based testing, samples of finished product are collected by DFSV auditors during routine audits and are assessed through the DFSV product surveillance program.

The dairy factory is regularly audited to ensure it complies with the regulations which include:

• The Dairy Act 2000
• The Food Act 1984
• The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (FSANZ)
• Dairy Food Safety Victoria (DFSV).

The factory must be registered with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and meet the requirements of The Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

A declaration of compliance statement must accompany each shipment attesting that the product is:

• Eligible for export.
• Fit-for-human consumption.
• Meets any specific importing country requirements.

Finished Product Testing

Samples from each batch of finished product are tested* for compliance to specification prior to release.

Testing includes a range of chemical, microbial, and sensory attributes to ensure that food safety and quality requirements are met.

*(The protein composition is tested by the laboratory to ensure that the level of A1β-casein protein is below the quantification level of the analytical method used.)

Shipping

Shipping Assurances

The shipping company must ensure that the products are accompanied by all EAD (export accompanied documents) that are required by the importing country, including:

• customs documents
• health certificates
• certificates of laboratory testing analysis

All other documents that are required by the importing country must be completed and approved before the container is sealed and loaded on board the ship.

The product is shipped to China and checked by China Customs on arrival. China Customs check the import documentation to confirm all requirements have been met and may test the product again prior to releasing it into the country.

Once cleared by Customs the product is sent to the warehouse.

Retail

Retail Assurances

The product arrives at the warehouse where it is managed using barcoding and traceability systems.

Product is loaded onto delivery trucks and distributed to individual shops, supermarkets, and other customers.

The AQ Assured brand and QR code can be scanned to provide consumer confidence of the food safety and quality measures undertaken throughout the supply chain.