Leading with Science. Ensuring Food Safety.
Mthokozisi Nkosi, Food Safety Specialist and Lead Auditor 
So, we have finally experienced the BRCGS Issue 9 audit, and we have compiled the top 10 list of the requirements that we found are catching auditees off guard: 1. Food Safety and Product Quality Culture Plan, Activities and Review We have found that most sites still need to fully …
We received many queries during the past year from small food business owners who would like to sell their products to retailers in South Africa and therefore need to implement a Food Safety Management System. Small food businesses don’t always have the resources (time, money and human resources) to implement …
In Part 9 of the BRCGS Issue 9 series, we discuss the major changes under Requirement 9 (Requirements for Traded Products). The Requirements for Traded Products consist of 6 clauses (sections). There are no fundamental requirements under the requirements for traded products. A complete list of the clauses under Requirement …
In Part 8 of the BRCGS Issue 9 series, we discuss the major changes under Requirement 8 (Production Risk Zones – High-risk, High-care and Ambient High-care). The Production Risk Zones – High-risk, High-care and Ambient High-care Requirements consist of 7 clauses (sections). There are no fundamental requirements for Production Risk …
In Part 7 of the BRCGS Issue 9 series, we discuss the major changes under Requirement 7 (Personnel). The Personnel requirement consists of 4 clauses (sections) and has 1 fundamental requirement. The following clause is a fundamental requirement: 7.1 Training: raw material-handling, preparation, processing, packing and storage areas A complete …
In Part 6 of the BRCGS Issue 9 series, we discuss the major changes under Requirement 6 (Process Control). The Process Control requirement consists of 4 clauses (sections) and has 2 fundamental requirements. The following clause is a fundamental requirement: 6.1 Control of operations 6.2 Labelling and pack control A …
In Part 5 of the BRCGS Issue 9 series, we discuss the major changes under Requirement 5 (Product Control). The Product Control requirement consists of 9 clauses (sections) and has 1 fundamental requirement. The following clause is a fundamental requirement: 5.3 Management of allergens A complete list of the clauses …
In Part 4 of the BRCGS Issue 9 series, we discuss the major changes under Requirement 4 (Site Standards). The Site Standards requirement consists of 16 clauses (sections) and has 2 fundamental requirements. The following clauses are fundamental requirements: 4.3 Layout, product flow and segregation 4.11 Housekeeping and hygiene A …
In Part 3 of the BRCGS Issue 9 series, we discuss the major changes under Requirement 3 (the Food Safety and Quality Management System). The Food Safety and Quality Management System requirement consists of 11 clauses (sections) and has 4 fundamental requirements. The following clauses are fundamental requirements: 3.4 Internal …
In Part 2 of the BRCGS Issue 9 series, we discuss the major changes under Requirement 2 (the Food Safety Plan – HACCP). The Food Safety Plan – HACCP requirement consists of 13 clauses (sections) and is a fundamental requirement in its entirety. PLEASE NOTE THE ENTIRE FOOD SAFETY PLAN …
We are going to start with Requirement 1, which deals with senior management commitment. As we know the starting point for any effective food safety management system is a commitment of senior management to the development of a positive food safety culture that ensures food safety. The standard places a …
A hot topic in the Nelson Mandela Bay community is the public outcry against manganese ore storage and handling and their impact on public health safety. Manganese ore has been a staple export in the region for over forty years, with two main ports in the Eastern Cape (Gqeberha and …
Milk and dairy products are a staple in most households. We use dairy as key ingredients in many foods and meals, as supplements in food products, and people drink milk on its own or in other beverages such as tea or coffee. Dairy products are incredibly rich in nutrients such …
This article discuss the basic steps to start a food truck business in South Africa and is written by our CEO, a former successful food truck owner. We will look at the legalities, menu design and much more. We also
invite you to join our free webinar!
Do you want to start a home-based food business in South Africa? This step-by-step article is your roadmap to success! Plus, free webinar included!
Fish and fish products are prone to contamination mainly due the physiology of fish species, their habitat and handling practices. It’s no surprise then that they contribute to a large portion of foodborne illness incidents contributing to, on average, 6-8 % of all annually reported outbreaks. This is more than …
Microorganisms, or microbes, play an important role in breaking down natural matter in the environment. Without them, there would be a build-up of waste, and this wouldn’t be recycled back into the food chain. Because of their key job in continuing the natural recycling of nutrients, they are found basically …
There are many food industry laws and regulations in South Africa and many business owners struggle to keep up. The trick is to know the main ones and thereafter choose the ones that are relevant to your product and operations. The fact that the industry is highly regulated and that …
If you’re thinking of starting and managing a food handling business, there’s a couple of things you need to know. Having to know so many legal standards might seem scary, but don’t worry, only certain regulations will apply to your business depending on what product you’re trying to sell. You …
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the food industry primarily protects food from possible contamination by the food handler. Protective clothing may include: PPE may also be designed to protect food handler from possible injury and environmental conditions that could be detrimental to their health and well-being. It is important that …