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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.
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Key facts
- Regulation R.6436 of 2025, published on 5 December 2025 by the DALRRD, sets new composition and labelling rules for plant-based meat analogues and takes effect in July 2026, giving industry a 12-month adaptation period.
- Products labelled as a burger, patty, sausage or mince must contain a minimum of 9% protein and may not contain animal-based ingredients, except that vegetarian products may include eggs or milk.
- Labels must use clear, descriptive product names (e.g. 'Plant-Based Burger' rather than 'chick'n') in English, with specified vowel heights, manufacturer and packer details, country of origin and batch traceability information.
- The regulation prohibits animal species or anatomical cut names (like 'beef' or 'rib-eye'), animal imagery, protected geographical indications such as 'Karoo Lamb', and direct nutritional comparisons to meat.
- Inspectors may sample and analyse products, and non-compliance is an offence under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972, subject to fines or penalties under Sections 17 and 18.
- The stated purpose is consumer protection and industry growth, creating a fair, transparent and innovative market for substitute proteins.
Frequently asked questions
What is Regulation R.6436 of 2025 and when does it take effect?
It is a South African regulation setting new composition and labelling rules for plant-based meat analogues, published on 5 December 2025 by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD). It becomes effective in July 2026, giving the industry a 12-month period to adapt from the publication date.
What products does the plant-based meat regulation cover?
It covers meat analogue products known as plant-based, vegan or fungi-based burgers, mince, sausages and similar items. Products labelled as a burger, patty, sausage or mince must contain a minimum of 9% protein and may not contain animal-based ingredients, though vegetarian products may include eggs or milk.
What labelling terms are prohibited on plant-based meat in South Africa?
The regulation bars names of animal species or anatomical cuts such as 'beef' or 'rib-eye', animal imagery on packaging, and protected geographical indications like 'Karoo Lamb'. It also prohibits direct nutritional comparisons to meat products and requires clear, descriptive names rather than confusing labels like 'chick'n' or 'b'con style'.
Who does Regulation R.6436 of 2025 affect?
It affects manufacturers, who must meet composition and labelling standards, and importers, who must provide a South African address if only a foreign manufacturer is listed. Packers and resellers must supply traceability information, and inspectors are given powers to sample and analyse products.
What are the penalties for not complying with the regulation?
Non-compliance is an offence under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972. Offenders are subject to fines or penalties in line with Sections 17 and 18 of that Act, and inspectors are authorised to sample and analyse products to check compliance.
What labelling information must plant-based meat products display?
Labels must use clear, descriptive product names in English, with vowels at least 1mm high (2mm for product names). They must show the manufacturer or packer name and address, the country of origin, and batch and traceability information, and inner packaging details must appear on outer shipping boxes unless the packaging is transparent or identically labelled.