DEPARTMENT: Department of Health
ASSOCIATED ACT: National Environmental Health Normal and Standards
REGULATION NAME: The National Health Act, 2003(Act 61 of 2003)
NO AND DATE: Act No. 61 of 2003
Download HereThis South African Regulation establishes the delivery of environmental health services across a wide range of premises (including food‑handling, accommodation, public gathering places, and waste facilities), by establishing national norms and standards to protect public health and prevent environmental conditions that may constitute a health hazard.
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Key facts
- The regulation falls under the National Health Act, 2003 (Act No. 61 of 2003) and sets national environmental health norms and standards.
- It governs the delivery of environmental health services across a wide range of premises, including food-handling, accommodation, public gathering places and waste facilities.
- Its stated purpose is to protect public health and prevent environmental conditions that may constitute a health hazard.
- The government notice for these norms and standards is dated 17 October 2025.
Frequently asked questions
What is the National Environmental Health Norms and Standards regulation about?
It establishes the delivery of environmental health services across a wide range of premises in South Africa. This includes food-handling, accommodation, public gathering places and waste facilities. It does so by setting national norms and standards to protect public health and prevent environmental conditions that may constitute a health hazard.
Under which law are these environmental health norms and standards made?
They are made under the National Health Act, 2003 (Act No. 61 of 2003). The relevant government notice is dated 17 October 2025.
Which premises are covered by these environmental health norms and standards?
The regulation applies to a wide range of premises. These specifically include food-handling premises, accommodation, public gathering places and waste facilities.
What is the purpose of these national norms and standards?
The purpose is to protect public health and prevent environmental conditions that may constitute a health hazard. The norms and standards achieve this by governing how environmental health services are delivered across the covered premises.