Is it mandatory to complete SETA-accredited Food Safety training for Persons in Charge of Food Premises when applying for a Certificate of Acceptability (CoA) for your food business?
We answer this question often, as Regulation R638 does not clearly specify the type of accreditation required for food safety training. This can lead to confusion and frustration, particularly since some health inspectors demand proof of SETA-accredited training. However, it is important to note that this is not a requirement. Regulation 10(I) under R638 of 2018 does not state that the training must be SETA-accredited.
Why is this causing such a headache at the moment?
SETA-accredited food safety training is not a bad option at all. The downside is that it is very expensive and can take months to finalise due to its enormous administrative requirements.
Not many small businesses applying for their Certificate of Acceptability can afford the cost or time involved in SETA-accredited training. Out of the over 4000 food businesses we have trained, none have been willing to fork out huge amounts of money and wait months for their certificate of competence. Therefore, it is impractical and makes little sense for any small business that wants to operate legally, to do SETA-accredited training and wait for months for their certificates before applying for an inspection by the municipality inspectorate.
So, what does SETA stand for?
SETA stands for Sector Education and Training Authority in South Africa. There are approximately 21 SETAs, and ASC Consultants is registered with the FoodBev SETA.
What are the best accredited training options for persons in charge of food premises?
In this article, we will explore the best options for accredited food safety training, with recommendations for anyone who needs to provide proof of accredited food safety training when applying for their Certificate of Acceptability.
First, let’s explain a few important facts and how they all fit together to help you make sense of it all.
If you own a food business, you must apply for a Certificate of Acceptability. The CoA is governed by Regulations R638 of 2018. Food businesses need to comply with the requirements stipulated in
Regulation R638 before they apply for the CoA.
One of the requirements is food safety training for persons in charge of food premises and everyone working at the food premises. Health inspectors want to see proof of such food safety training.
The question remains: What type of Food Safety training is acceptable, and how can you overcome this hurdle?
Let’s quickly explain the above in more detail.
FACT 1: What is a Certificate of Acceptability and Why Do You Need One?
When starting a food business in South Africa, applying for your Certificate of Acceptability is one of the first and most important steps. Most people also commonly refer to it as a “Food Handling Certificate” or “Food Handling License.”
It is a legal requirement, and you can apply for your CoA from your local authority/municipality where the food business is situated.
What is a Certificate of Acceptability?
FACT 2: What is Regulation R638, and why is it Important for Every Food Business to comply?
Regulation R638 is a key piece of legislation in South Africa’s food industry, officially titled the “Regulations Governing General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises, the Transport of Food, and Related Matters.” It was introduced under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act and came into effect on June 22, 2018, replacing the previous Regulation R962.
This regulation is the most well-known and a significant piece of legislation in the South African food industry. It governs essential hygiene requirements for food premises, ensuring that food is handled, prepared, and transported in a manner that prioritises public health and safety.
Except for outlining hygiene requirements, it also governs the requirements for a CoA under Clause 3 and the food safety training requirements under Clause 10.
Food businesses in South Africa must comply with its requirements.
Get a copy of Regulations R638 here
FACT 3: What are the Training Requirements per Regulation R638, and What Type of Training is Acceptable?
The training requirements are stipulated in Clause 10 of R638, and this is what the Regulation says:
“10. A person in charge of food premises must ensure that –
1(a) he or she is suitably qualified or otherwise adequately trained in the principles and practices of food safety and hygiene, as appropriate, and that the training is accredited or conducted by an inspector, where applicable;
1(b) any other person working on the food premises, is suitably qualified or adequately trained in the principles and practices of food safety and hygiene, as appropriate, by an inspector or any other suitable person;
1(c) routine assessments are conducted to determine the impact of the training required under paragraph (b) and arrange follow up training as applicable;
1(d) training programmes and records are kept and routinely updated as applicable, and are made available to an inspector on request;”
Is SETA-Accredited Food Safety Training Compulsory?
No, SETA-accredited training for the persons in charge of food premises is not compulsory, and the regulation makes absolutely no reference to this. Any accredited food safety training where the course curriculum adequately covers the food industry’s basic food safety and hygiene requirements is acceptable.
What Food Safety Training Options Are Available?
According to Regulation R10(1) of R638, any food safety training that is accredited and covers the essential food safety and hygiene requirements of the industry are considered acceptable.
At ASC Food Safety Consultants, we go above and beyond by offering not only SETA-accredited training but also our highly sought-after training accredited by the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA), specifically designed for persons in charge.
Over 95% of our clients applying for their Certificate of Acceptability have chosen our HPCSA-accredited training. Many clients opt for this option due to its credibility and the assurance of timely certification. In contrast, the uncertainty surrounding the issuance of certificates for SETA training has led most of our clients to choose our HPCSA program instead.
By choosing ASC Food Safety Consultants, you are investing in a recognised, respected training programme tailored to meet the specific needs of the food industry. Our courses fulfil regulatory requirements and equip your team with practical knowledge and skills to ensure food safety excellence.
Is ASC Food Safety Consultants Accredited by FoodBev SETA?
Yes, ASC Food Safety Consultants is accredited by FoodBev SETA. While we do not typically recommend FoodBev SETA-accredited training as our primary option for smaller businesses, we are fully accredited and can offer it for persons in charge.
This accreditation allows us to benchmark our courses against FoodBev SETA standards, ensuring our training aligns with industry-recognised programmes.
Our FoodBev SETA accreditation guarantees that our training programmes meet the rigorous standards required in the food and beverage industry.
This recognition signifies that our courses provide participants with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective food safety management, enabling compliance with industry regulations and best practices.
Additionally, our FoodBev SETA accreditation number is FoodBev SETA Accreditation No: 587/00337/1900, which is currently valid until June 2026.
If you have any further questions or need more information about our accreditation or training offerings, please feel free to reach out. We are here to help you ensure the highest standards of food safety in your organisation!
HPCSA-accredited Food Safety Training – Why is Our Course so Popular?
The Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is a pivotal authority in the health sector, tasked with regulating health professionals to ensure the highest standards of practice and ethics.
Established under the Health Professions Act, the HPCSA oversees various professions, including medicine, nursing, and allied health fields. Its primary objectives include protecting the public, promoting quality healthcare, and ensuring that all registered professionals adhere to the prescribed ethical and professional standards.
The HPCSA also plays a crucial role in the continuing education and training of health professionals, ensuring their competence throughout their careers.
Our training program is conducted by highly qualified assessors who are food scientists, public health professionals, and industry experts who the HPCSA has vetted. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the training, ensuring that participants receive the most relevant and up-to-date information.
The course comprehensively covers Regulations R638 and includes additional modules that are vital for effective food safety management. The course details are available at Aluzar Training, and some of the following modules and lessons are included:
- Introduction to Food Safety
- Food Safety Legislation
- Food Hygiene and Sanitation
- Pest Control
- Food Storage and Preservation
- Personal Hygiene
- Food Safety Management Systems
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
- Crisis Management in Food Safety
- Training and Communication
Our course is designed to be self-paced, allowing participants to learn at their convenience. However, we also offer the training onsite and virtually via the Zoom platform, making it accessible to a broader audience. The interactive nature of the training enhances engagement, ensuring that participants not only learn but also apply the knowledge effectively.
Currently, we are proud to be training large corporations such as SPUR Corp and KFC, which highlights the convenience, practicality, and credibility of our course. The lessons learned are directly applicable to their operations, ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
Our training is recognised and benchmarked against the SETA-accredited course, providing assurance of its quality and relevance. The course spans two days and includes a video-based assessment to verify that the individual completing the course is indeed the same person who participated in the training.
This verification process is crucial for maintaining the integrity and credibility of our online platform.
Does the Certificate for Training Expire?
No, the certificate for this training does not expire unless there are significant regulation changes. Specifically, it remains valid unless:
- The relevant regulation is repealed or updated.
- The content of the training undergoes drastic changes due to regulatory requirements.
- A new regulation is introduced that mandates changes to the training or renders the certificate invalid.
As long as the current standards and regulations remain in place, your certificate will continue to be valid.
Food Safety Training Options
Cost-effective training options for Persons in Charge and Food Handlers
Challenges Observed in Relation to the Persons In Charge Training
We have encountered several challenges, particularly in the City of Tshwane, where some inspectors have been known to pressure individuals into attending municipal-facilitated training or insist on FoodBev SETA training, despite its impracticality.
To address this issue, we have proactively contacted the City of Tshwane administration, which has assured us that our training meets all necessary requirements. They have committed to communicating this clarification to the individual inspectors involved. However, this challenge tends to resurface periodically, and we manage it as it arises.
It is important to note that none of the other 250+ municipalities we work with have presented similar issues. This appears to be a localised problem, and while we can only speculate on its causes, we remain focused on finding solutions.
Fortunately, senior management within the City of Tshwane has been responsive and efficient in resolving these challenges. We maintain open lines of communication with them, and to their credit, from the office of the executive mayor to the administration managers, they have been receptive and eager to address any issues that arise.
Despite these challenges, we are committed to ensuring that our training programs are recognised and valued, and we appreciate the support from the City of Tshwane administration in this regard.
Conclusion
In summary, while food safety training is a legal requirement for obtaining a Certificate of Acceptability (CoA) in South Africa, SETA-accredited training is not compulsory. Regulation R638 clearly stipulates that the training must be accredited and relevant to food safety and hygiene practices, but it does not require SETA accreditation specifically.
For many small businesses, SETA-accredited training can be costly and time-consuming. Fortunately, alternative accredited training options—such as those offered by ASC Food Safety Consultants and accredited by the HPCSA—are not only compliant with the law but also more practical and accessible.
Choosing the right training programme ensures regulatory compliance, supports operational readiness, and builds a strong foundation for food safety management. At ASC, we are proud to offer flexible, high-quality training solutions trusted by leading food service brands across the country.
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