Food Safety and Quality legislation in South Africa is mainly the responsibility of the following Departments:
DISCLAIMER:
Please note the information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only. All information on this page is provided in good faith, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on this page.
The lists below do not include all food safety and quality legislation related to the food, beverage and health industries.
ACT 54 OF 1972 – FOODSTUFFS, COSMETICS AND DISINFECTANTS ACT
The list below provides information about some of the Regulations and Standards under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act. 54 of 1972.
Regulations indicated with *** are new or have new amendments for 2023/2024
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – Regulations Relating to Health Messages on Container Labels of Alcoholic Beverages
South African legislation relating to health messages on container labels of alcoholic beverages (R764 of 2007 | R1208 of 2008 | R1143 of 2020).
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – Regulations Relating to the Labelling of Alcoholic Beverages
South African legislation relating to the labelling of alcoholic beverages (R109 of 2005).
CHILDREN – Regulations Relating to Objects Packed in Foodstuffs Intended for Children
South African legislation relating to objects packed in foodstuffs intended for children (R1090 of 2005).
COMFREY AND KONJAC – Regulations Relating to the Prohibition of the Sale of Comfrey, Foodstuffs Containing Comfrey and Jelly Confectionery Containing Konjac
South African legislation relating to the prohibition of the sale of comfrey, foodstuffs containing comfrey and jelly confectionery containing konjac (R1408 of 2003).
FORTIFICATION – Regulations Relating to the Fortification of Certain Foodstuffs
South African legislation relating to the fortification of certain foodstuffs (R504 of 2003 | R1206 of 2008).
HACCP – Regulations Relating to the Application of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System (HACCP System)
South African Legislation Relating to the Application of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System (HACCP System) (R908 of 2003 | R1060 of 2009 | R607 of 2018).
HYGIENE (GENERAL) – Regulations Governing General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises, the Transport of Food and Related Matters
South African legislation relating to general hygiene requirements for food premises, the transport of food and related matters (R638 of 2018) (Certificate of Acceptability)
INFANT FEEDING BOTTLES – Regulations Relating to the Prohibition of Manufacturing, Importation, Exportation and Sale of Polycarbonate Infant Feeding Bottles Containing Bisphenol A
South African legislation relating to the prohibition of manufacturing, importation, exportation and sale of polycarbonate infant feeding bottles containing Bisphenol A. (R879 of 2011).
INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN – Regulations Relating to Foodstuffs for Infants and Young Children
South African legislation relating to foodstuffs for infants and young children (R991 of 2012 | R365 of 2013 | R434 of 2013).
LABELLING (GENETIC MODIFICATION) – Regulations Relating to the Labelling of Foodstuffs Obtained Through Certain Techniques of Genetic Modification
South African legislation relating to the labelling of foodstuffs obtained through certain techniques of genetic modification (R25 of 2004).
LABELLING (MEDICAL PURPOSES) – Regulations Relating to the Labelling of Foods for Special Medical Purposes
South African legislation relating to the labelling of foods for special medical purposes (R493 of 2002).
LABELLING AND ADVERTISING – Regulations Relating to the Labelling and advertising of Foodstuffs
South African legislation relating to the labelling and advertising of foodstuffs (R146 of 2010 | R1091 of 2010 | R45 of 2012).
MEAT (RAW BOEREWORS) – Regulations Governing the Composition and Labelling of Raw Boerewors, Raw Species Sausage and Raw Mixed-Species Sausage
South African legislation governing the composition and labelling of raw boerewors, raw species sausage and raw mixed-species sausage (R2718 of 1990).
MICROBIOLOGICAL STANDARDS – Regulations Governing Microbiological Standards for Foodstuffs and Related Matters
South African legislation governing microbiological standards for foodstuffs and related matters (R692 of 1997 | R1588 of 2002 | R1207 of 2008 | R706 of 2011).
MILK AND DAIRY – Regulations Relating to Milk and Dairy Products
South African legislation relating to milk and dairy products (R1555 of 1997 | R1262 of 2010 | R127 of 2014).
MILKING SHEDS AND MILK TRANSPORT – Regulations Relating to Hygiene Requirements for Milking Sheds, the Transport of Milk and Related Matters
South African legislation relating to hygiene requirements for milking sheds, the transport of milk and related matters (R961 of 2012)
POWERS AND DUTIES – Regulations Relating to the Powers and Duties of Inspectors and Analysts Conducting Inspections and Analyses on Foodstuffs and at Food Premises
South African legislation relating to the powers and duties of inspectors and analysts conducting inspections and analyses on foodstuffs and at food premises (R328 of 2007).
PROCESSED FOODSTUFFS – Regulations Regarding Processed Foodstuffs
South African legislation regarding processed foodstuffs (R723 of 2001).
SALT – Regulations Relating to Food-grade Salt
South African legislation relating to food-grade salt (R184 of 2007).
SODIUM – Regulations Relating to the Reduction of Sodium in Certain Foodstuffs and Related Matters
South African legislation relating to the reduction of sodium in certain foodstuffs and related matters (R214 of 2013 | R1071 of 2017 | R812 of 2019).
SOFT DRINKS – Regulations – Soft Drinks
South African legislation relating soft drinks (R1769 of 1985 | R317 of 2012).
SWEETENERS – Regulations Relating to the Use of Sweeteners in Foodstuffs
South African legislation relating to the use of sweeteners in foodstuffs (R733 of 2012)
TRANS-FAT – Regulations Relating to Trans-fat in Foodstuffs
South African legislation relating to trans-fat in foodstuffs (R127 of 2011).
WATER (BOTTLED) – Regulations Relating to All Bottled Water
South African legislation relating to all bottled water (R718 of 2006 | R455 of 2010).
ACT 40 OF 2000 – MEAT SAFETY ACT
The list below provides information about some of the Regulations and Standards under the Meat Safety Act 40 of 2000.
Regulations indicated with *** are new or have new amendments for 2023/2024
MEAT – Regulations Regarding Red Meat
South African legislation Regarding Red Meat (R1072 of 2004 | R350 of 2005).
MEAT (OSTRICH) – Ostrich Regulations
South African legislation regarding ostrich (R54 of 2007).
MEAT (POULTRY) – Poultry Regulations
South African legislation regarding poultry (R153 of 2006).
ACT 119 OF 1990 – AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT STANDARDS ACT
The list below provides information about some of the Regulations and Standards under the Agricultural Products Standards Act 119 of 1990.
Regulations indicated with *** are new or have new amendments for 2023/2024
***EDIBLE ICE – Regulations Relating to the Classification, Packing and Marking of Edible Ices Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the classification, packing and marking of edible ice for sale in the Republic of South Africa (R3617 of 2023).
***FRUIT (DRIED) – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Dried Fruit Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of dried fruit intended for sale in South Africa (R3449 of 2023).
***MEAT – Regulations Regarding the Classification and Marking of Meat Intended for Sale in South Africa
South African legislation relating to the Classification and Marking of Meat Intended for Sale in South Africa (R55 of 2015 | R1492 of 2019 | R3450 of 2023)
***MEAT (KAROO LAMB) – Registration of Karoo Lamb/Karoo Lam as a South African Geographical Indication
South African legislation relating to the Registration of Karoo Lamb/Karoo Lam as a South African Geographical Indication. (3992 of 2023)
***TOMATOES – Regulations Relating to the Quality, Grading, Packing and Marking of Tomatoes Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the quality, grading, packing, and marking of tomatoes intended for sale in South Africa (R3616 of 2023).
***VEGETABLES (CANNED AND PICKLED) – Standards and Requirements Regarding Control of the Export of Canned and Pickled Vegetables
South African legislation relating to standards and requirements regarding control of the export of canned and pickled vegetables (R1983 of 1991 | R4070 of 2023).
***VEGETABLES (FRESH) – Regulations Regarding Control of the Export of Fresh Vegetables
South African legislation relating to the control of the export of fresh vegetables (R3478 of 2023)
APPLES – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Apples Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of apples intended for sale in South Africa (R911 of 2016).
APRICOTS – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Apricots Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of apricots intended for sale in South Africa (R1 of 2012).
AVOCADOS – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Avocados Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of avocados intended for sale in South Africa (R5 of 2014).
BANANAS – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Bananas Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of bananas intended for sale in South Africa (R635 of 2017).
BARLEY (MALTING) – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Malting Barley Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of malting barley intended for sale in South Africa (R443 of 2013).
BEANS (DRY) – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Dry Beans Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of dry beans intended for sale in South Africa (R112 of 2014).
CANOLA – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Canola Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of canola intended for sale in South Africa (R622 of 2009).
CITRUS FRUIT – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Citrus Fruit Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of citrus fruit intended for sale in South Africa (R963 of 2012).
COFFEE AND CHICORY – Regulations Relating to Coffee, Chicory and Related Products Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to coffee, chicory and related products intended for sale in South Africa (R1154 of 2020).
DAIRY PRODUCTS – Regulations Relating to the Classification, Packing and Marking of Dairy Products and Imitation Dairy Products Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the classification, packing, and marking requirements of dairy and imitation dairy products intended for sale in South Africa (R260 of 2015).
EGGS – Regulations Regarding the Grading, Packing and Marking of Eggs Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of eggs intended for sale in South Africa (R345 of 2020).
FAT SPREADS – Regulations Relating to the Classification, Packing and Marking of Fat Spreads Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the classification, packing, and marking requirements of fat spreads intended for sale in South Africa (R194 of 2012).
FRUIT (CANNED) – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Canned Fruit Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of canned fruit intended for sale in South Africa (R135 of 2005).
FRUIT JUICE AND DRINK – Regulations Relating to the Classification, Packing and Marking of Fruit Juice and Drink Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the classification, packing and marking of fruit juice and drink intended for sale in the Republic of South Africa (R286 of 1980 | R411 of 2013).
GARLIC – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Garlic Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing and marking of garlic intended for sale in the Republic of South Africa (R491 of 2018)
GRAPES (TABLE) – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Table Grapes Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing and marking of table grapes intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa (R588 of 2016)
GROUNDNUTS – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Groundnuts Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of groundnuts intended for sale in South Africa (R966 of 2005).
JAM, JELLY AND MARMALADE – Regulations Relating to Grading, Packing and Marking of Jam, Jelly and Marmalade Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to grading, packing and marking of jam, jelly and marmalade intended for sale in South Africa (R81 of 2023).
LITCHIS – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Litchis Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of litchis intended for sale in South Africa (R1202 of 2015).
MAIZE – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Maize Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of maize intended for sale in South Africa (R63 of 2016).
MANGOES – Standards and Requirements Regarding Control of the Export of Mangoes
South African legislation relating to standards and requirements regarding control of the export of mangoes (R1983 of 1991 | R1530 of 2019).
MEAT (PROCESSED) – Regulations Regarding the Classification, Packing and Marking of Processed Meat Products Intended for Sale in South Africa
South African legislation relating to the classification and marking of processed meat intended for sale in South Africa (R1283 of 2019)
MEAT (RAW PROCESSED) – Regulations Regarding the Classification, Packing and Marking of Certain Raw Processed Meat Products Intended for Sale in South Africa
South African legislation relating to the Classification and Marking of Certain Raw Processed Meat Intended for Sale in South Africa (R2410 of 2022)
MUSHROOMS (CANNED) – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Canned Mushrooms Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing and marking of canned mushrooms intended for sale in the Republic of South Africa (R3 of 2001 | R414 of 2010).
OLIVES (TABLE) – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Table Olives Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of table olives intended for sale in South Africa (R589 of 2016).
ONIONS AND SHALLOTS – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Onions and Shallots Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing and marking of onions and shallots intended for sale in the Republic of South Africa (R192 of 2015).
PEACHES AND NECTARINES – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Peaches and Nectarines Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of peaches and nectarines intended for sale in South Africa (R901 of 2011).
PEACHES AND NECTARINES – Standards and Requirements Regarding Control of the Export of Peaches and Nectarines
South African legislation relating to standards and requirements regarding control of the export of peaches and nectarines (R1983 of 1991 | R2745 of 2022).
PEARS – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Pears Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of pears intended for sale in South Africa (R587 of 2016).
PINEAPPLES – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Pineapples Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of pineapples intended for sale in South Africa (R538 of 2017).
PLUMS AND PRUNES – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Plums and Prunes Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of plums and prunes intended for sale in South Africa (R899 of 2011).
PLUMS AND PRUNES – Standards and Requirements Regarding Control of the Export of Plums and Prunes
South African legislation relating to standards and requirements regarding control of the export of plums and prunes (R1983 of 1991 | R2744 of 2022).
POPCORN KERNELS – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Popcorn Kernels Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of popcorn kernels intended for sale in South Africa (R1339 of 2018).
POTATOES – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Potatoes Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing and marking of potatoes intended for sale in the Republic of South Africa (R273 of 2019)
PULSES – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Pulses Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of pulses intended for sale in South Africa (R632 of 2019).
RICE – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Rice Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of rice intended for sale in South Africa (R866 of 2014).
RICE (KERNELS) – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Rice Kernels Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of rice kernels intended for sale in South Africa (R44 of 2020).
SORGHUM – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Sorghum Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of sorghum intended for sale in South Africa (R15 of 2016).
SOYA BEANS – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Soya Beans Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of soya beans intended for sale in South Africa (R370 of 2017).
STRAWBERRIES – Standards and Requirements Regarding Control of the Export of Strawberries
South African legislation relating to standards and requirements regarding control of the export of strawberries (R1983 of 1991 | R671 of 2021).
SUNFLOWER SEED – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Sunflower Seed Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of sunflower seed intended for sale in South Africa (R45 of 2016).
TABLE GRAPES – Standards and Requirements Regarding Control of the Export of Table Grapes
South African legislation relating to standards and requirements regarding control of the export of table grapes (R1983 of 1991 | R2746 of 2022).
TEA – Regulations Relating to Tea and Related Products Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to tea and related products intended for sale in South Africa (R1153 of 2020).
VEGETABLES (CANNED AND PICKLED) – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Canned and Pickled Vegetables Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing and marking of canned and pickled vegetables intended for sale in the Republic of South Africa (R2826 of 2022)
VEGETABLES (FRESH) – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Fresh Vegetables Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing and marking of fresh vegetables intended for sale in the Republic of South Africa (R364 of 2013)
VINEGAR – Regulations Relating to the Classification, Packing and Marking of Vinegar and Imitation Vinegar Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa (R1340 of 2018)
South African legislation relating to the classification, packing, and marking requirements of vinegar and imitation vinegar intended for sale in South Africa (R1340 of 2018).
WHEAT (BREAD) – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Bread Wheat Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of bread wheat intended for sale in South Africa (R1547 of 2019).
WHEAT (DURUM) – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Durum Wheat Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of durum wheat intended for sale in South Africa (R43 of 2016).
WHEAT (PRODUCTS) – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Wheat Products Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of wheat products intended for sale in South Africa (R405 of 2017).
WHEAT (SOFT) – Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Soft Wheat Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa
South African legislation relating to the grading, packing, and marking of soft wheat intended for sale in South Africa (R44 of 2016 / R1230 of 2016).
ACT 5 OF 2008 – NATIONAL REGULATOR FOR COMPULSORY SPECIFICATIONS ACT
The list below provides links to some of the compulsory specifications under the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act.
National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act: Compulsory specification for processed meat products