Table of Contents
New Rules for Plant Based Meats: R.6436 of 2025
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has just published new regulations (No. R. 6436) governing the sale of meat analogue products you know as plant-based, vegan, or fungi-based burgers, mince, sausages, to name a few.
These regulations will come into effect in July 2026, giving the industry 12 months to adapt. This is a forward-thinking move that balances consumer protection, industry growth, and the exciting evolution of our food systems.
In creating a fair, transparent, and innovative market for substitute proteins and here is all you need to know about Plant-based Meat:
Strict Composition and Labeling Standards For Plant-based Meat.
- Strict Composition and Labeling Standards.
a. Protein Requirements: Products using names like burger, patty, sausage, and mince must have a minimum of 9% protein.
b. No animal based ingredients.
True to their definition, these products cannot contain ingredients from animal origin, with specific exceptions for vegetarian claims such as eggs or milk.
- Transparent Origins.
The country of origin and full manufacturer/packer details need to be clearly stated on the packaging. Regulation 9 of this regulation further requires that if the product labels has only the foreign address of the manufacturer on the product labels, a South African address for the importer, packer, or reseller, must also be provided. This helps with further traceability of these foods. - Naming rules
Regulation 7 of the regulation gives the naming requirements for plant based foodstuffs. Gone are the days of potentially confusing labels like “chick’n” or “b’con style.” The regulations require clear, descriptive names that immediately tell consumers what they’re buying. Think “Plant-Based Burger,” “Vegan Mince,” or “Mushroom Loaf.” This is to prevent misleading comparisons to animal meat and ensure consumers can make informed choices. - Protecting Consumer Trust and Traditional Industries.
This regulation thoughtfully protects terms associated with the conventional meat industry. It bars against:
a. Using names of animal species or anatomical cuts (e.g., “beef,” “rib-eye”).
b. Using imagery of animals on the packaging.
c. Referencing protected geographical indications (like “Karoo Lamb”) or making direct nutritional comparisons to meat products. - Sampling and Analysis
Inspectors are given powers by the new regulation to sample and analyze these foods to authenticate the composition of the meat analogues. Sub regulation 14 (1)(a)(b) lists the standards and methods that shall be used when doing these protein and DNA analysis. Under sub regulation 14 (2)(a)(b), the fees payable by the customer who the analysis is done for, are provided. - Offences and Penalties
Any person/business found guilty of or fails to comply with these regulations shall be found guilty of an offence and can be liable for fine or penalties as per Section 17 and 18 of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972. - Forbidden particulars on containers and outer containers
Regulation 6 of the meat analogues specifies and gives a breakdown for the labelling requirements. Under the regulation, the following are found:
a. The General Legibility (Regulation 6(1) indicates that, unless otherwise stated, all mandatory text must be clear and in English, with lowercase vowels at least 1 mm in size.
b. Regulation 6(2) requires that the primary container labelling be done on every individual package must be marked in English with:
· (Regulation 6(2)(a): The product name (as per Regulations 7 and 8), with vowels at least 2 mm high. The names of added flavors can be in a different color.
· (Regulation 6(2)(b): The name and address (as per Regulation 9).
· (Regulation 6(2)(c): The country of origin (as per Regulation 10).
· (Regulation 6(2)(d)): Traceability and batch information (as per Regulation 11).
c. Sub regulation 6(3) requires that the details listed under 6(2)(a), (b), and (c), be on the outer shipping box. This is not required if the outer box is transparent and the inner labels are visible, or if the outer box has the same label as the inner containers.
Conclusion for Plant-based Meat.
You may ask yourself, why does this matter?? Well, for consumers, this means greater trust and clarity at the point of sale. You will know exactly what you’re getting. For businesses and
innovators in the plant-based sector, this provides a clear regulatory framework to operate within, fostering fair competition and encouraging continued product development.
For the agricultural sector, it safeguards the value and definitions of traditional meat products while making space for new, sustainable alternatives to grow.
Comments
Please leave us a comment in the comment section below if you find this article helpful or if you have any questions. We love to hear from our visitors.