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The Dairy Standard Agency (DSA) has enjoyed an exceptional 2025 so far, marking two major achievements that underscore its ongoing pursuit of excellence.
In September, the organisation’s laboratory services received accreditation from the South African National Accreditation System (Sanas), and just a month later, the DSA was honoured with the prestigious Sancu Consumer Trophy awarded by the South African National Consumer Union (Sancu).
“These are indeed highlights, but we are far from reaching our destination,” says Jompie Burger, general manager of the DSA. Reflecting on the journey so far, he expresses both satisfaction and excitement for what lies ahead.
Much like the trees flourishing outside the DSA’s Centurion offices, the agency has grown from a small seedling in 2003 into a towering presence within the dairy industry and South African agriculture as a whole. For Burger, receiving Sanas accreditation marks a proud milestone, reflecting the DSA’s unwavering commitment to quality.
Upholding the highest standards
Sanas is South Africa’s sole national body authorised to accredit laboratories and other institutions that meet stringent international standards. This accreditation confirms that the DSA laboratory is now fully able to perform specific tests and analytical procedures in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 – the globally recognised benchmark for laboratory excellence.
Achieving Sanas accreditation not only enhances the credibility of the DSA laboratory’s results but also strengthens the South African dairy industry’s ability to meet national and international regulatory requirements. It provides added confidence, especially when exporting to markets such as the European Union and China.
When presenting the Sancu Consumer Trophy to the DSA, Sancu commended the organisation’s unwavering commitment to consumer protection, stating: “It was a great honour to recognise your outstanding contribution to South African society by awarding the Sancu Consumer Cup to Burger and the DSA team. Your dedication, integrity, and tireless efforts to protect and empower consumers are deeply appreciated. Please accept our warmest congratulations and gratitude – this recognition is well deserved.”
Sancu represents millions of South African consumers and functions as an umbrella body, with membership that includes essential grassroots organisations nationwide. The DSA manages several projects as part of Milk SA’s statutory project portfolio.
Not a final destination
As with any meaningful journey, both the Sanas accreditation and the Sancu Trophy are not final destinations. Rather, they mark important milestones along a much longer road, explains Burger. Since its establishment in 2002 as an independent, non-profit initiative of Milk SA, the DSA has been committed to improving the quality and safety of milk and other dairy products in South Africa.
The road until now has not been an easy one. The DSA has continuously had to adapt, innovate, and collaborate with stakeholders across the value chain. Over time, it has become a key force in promoting food safety and trade readiness – from the national monitoring of milk and dairy products to developing regulations and providing scientific support to the industry.
The DSA laboratory has evolved from a basic calibration facility into a sophisticated analytical and diagnostic centre. Soon, it will offer advanced testing services such as the milk ring test, Rose Bengal test (RBT), and complement fixation test for brucellosis. It has also recently validated the psychrofast test method for detecting psychrotrophic organisms in milk, a critical advancement for UHT milk processing.
The Sanas accreditation is therefore far more than a formal endorsement; it confirms the DSA’s ability to remain at the forefront of scientific excellence. Looking ahead, the agency is already working towards the next phase – accreditation as an expanded diagnostic laboratory. This will enhance its capacity to monitor and prevent disease, strengthen animal health safeguards, and further ensure food safety within the dairy sector.
In addition, plans are underway to establish a research laboratory in the Eastern Cape, focussed on animal disease prevention and environmental monitoring, including air, soil, and water quality, as well as other relevant issues.
The way forward
The DSA’s journey is one of partnership. Through active collaboration with the Departments of Agriculture and Health, the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), and other industry stakeholders, the agency has built a support network that strengthens the entire dairy value chain. These partnerships are vital for developing regulations, interpreting projects, and managing non-compliance cases effectively.
The DSA’s path is guided by commitment, scientific integrity, and a culture of continuous improvement. The Sanas accreditation represents a milestone that reaffirms the DSA’s vision: to support a dairy industry that is safe, sustainable, and world-class.
Like any worthwhile journey, there are still roads to travel, mountains to climb, and opportunities to embrace. Each milestone brings renewed purpose. The DSA is moving forward. Its destination? A South African dairy industry that not only meets global standards but truly stands apart. – Susan Marais, Stockfarm
Send an email to Jompie Burger at jompie@dairystandard.co.za for more information.
