South African Food Legislation Decoded: The Ultimate 2026 Compliance Guide for Every Food Business
Every Act, every regulation, every department that touches your food business — decoded in plain English by one of only three SAATCA Registered R638 Lead Implementers in South Africa. From the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972 to the Marine Living Resources Act, the Meat Safety Act, the expected 2026 labelling regulations and game and fisheries oversight under DFFE. Built to help you stay legal, pass every inspection, and dominate your market.
Quick AnswerSouth African food legislation is governed by five national departments — Health, DALRRD (Agriculture), DTIC (via SABS, NRCS, SANAS, NMISA), DFFE (Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment), and Local Government — plus the Codex Alimentarius international framework and GFSI-benchmarked private standards (FSSC 22000, BRCGS, GLOBALG.A.P.). The single most important regulation for almost every food business is Regulation R638 of 2018, which requires a Certificate of Acceptability (COA) and mandates SAATCA, HPCSA or FoodBev SETA accredited training for the Person in Charge. Meat businesses must additionally comply with the Meat Safety Act 40 of 2000. Fishing and aquaculture fall under the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998. Game operations follow the Game Theft Act and NEMBA. Retailer supply and export markets require HACCP-based certification — which is where ASC’s 3-level HACCP training pathway becomes essential.
1. Why Food Legislation Matters More Than Ever in 2026
In March 2025, the City of Tshwane closed Boxer Superstore in Atteridgeville and fined Burger King outlets for operating without a valid Certificate of Acceptability (COA). In the same year, the Listeriosis outbreak of 2017–2018 — which killed more than 200 South Africans and affected over 1 060 confirmed cases — remained fresh in regulators’ minds, driving one of the most aggressive food safety enforcement drives the country has ever seen.
Whether you sell samoosas from a spaza shop, run a 5-star restaurant in Cape Town, manufacture biscuits in Isando, supply citrus to Tesco, or export hake to the EU — dozens of pieces of legislation apply to your business. Missing one can close you down overnight. Understanding them all turns you from a target into a credible, audit-ready supplier that major retailers and export markets trust.
- Criminal prosecution under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972 — fines or imprisonment
- Immediate closure by an Environmental Health Practitioner — no court order required
- Loss of retailer listings — Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Woolworths and Spar require documented compliance
- Export bans — a single non-compliance can shut a South African exporter out of the EU, UK, US or Middle East
- Civil liability if a customer suffers foodborne illness — the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 allows class action
- Voided insurance — public liability insurers routinely refuse claims for non-compliant premises
2. Food Safety vs Food Quality — The Legal Distinction
Before we map the legislation, understand this: food safety and food quality are legally distinct concepts that trigger different regulations and different enforcement.
| Concept | Legal Meaning | Example | Primary Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Safety | Assurance that food will not cause harm when prepared or eaten as intended | Meat contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes or Salmonella | Department of Health, DALRRD, Municipalities |
| Food Quality | The desirable attributes of food — taste, texture, weight, colour, labelling accuracy | Meat that is slimy, short-weighted or incorrectly labelled | DTIC (SABS, NRCS), DALRRD, National Consumer Commission |
Read our detailed article on the food safety vs food quality distinction →
3. The Codex Alimentarius — The Global Foundation South Africa Follows
At the apex of the international framework sits the Codex Alimentarius — Latin for “food code” — a collection of science-based standards, guidelines and codes of practice developed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), established in 1963 by the WHO and the FAO. It has 189 members (188 countries plus the EU).
South Africa has been a Codex member since the CAC’s earliest years. The Department of Health serves as the national Codex contact point. Codex provides the scientific backbone for almost every South African food regulation, including:
- General Principles of Food Hygiene (CXC 1-1969) — the foundation of R638 and all HACCP-based systems
- HACCP System and Guidelines for its Application — the 7 Principles and 12 Steps taught in ASC’s accredited HACCP courses
- Codex Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides and veterinary drugs — incorporated into DALRRD regulations
- Codex General Standard for Food Additives (CXS 192) — the basis for South African additive regulations
- Codex Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods (CXS 1-1985) — the model for R146 of 2010 and the 2026 replacement
4. Department of Health (DoH) — The Hygiene & Safety Regulator
The Department of Health oversees public health and food safety. Its Directorate: Food Control promulgates and administers the majority of food hygiene, additive, chemical-safety, and labelling regulations under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972 (“FCD Act”). The DoH also serves as South Africa’s national Codex contact point.
4.1 Key Regulations Administered by the DoH
- Regulation R638 of 2018 — General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises and COA requirements (replaced R962 of 2012)
- Regulation R146 of 2010 — Labelling & Advertising of Foodstuffs (being replaced by draft R3337 in 2026)
- Regulation R607 of 2024 — Maximum levels of metals in foodstuffs
- Regulation R1008 of 2004 — Sanitary conditions for manufacture of foods
- Regulation R1145 of 1974 — Colourants in foodstuffs
- Regulation R2527 of 1973 — Additives and permitted preservatives
- Regulation R1555 of 1997 — Microbiological standards for foodstuffs
- Regulation R429 of 2014 — Maximum levels of mycotoxins
- Foodstuffs Act (Trans Fats Regulation R249 of 2011) — mandatory trans-fat limits
While the DoH promulgates these regulations nationally, enforcement is delegated to municipal Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) operating under the National Health Act 61 of 2003. EHPs conduct COA inspections, investigate food-borne illness outbreaks, and can close non-compliant premises on the spot.
5. Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD)
DALRRD regulates primary agriculture, veterinary public health, abattoirs, and agricultural product quality. It is the key department for farmers, packhouses, meat processors, dairy producers and anyone dealing with raw or primary food products.
5.1 Key Acts Administered by DALRRD
| Act | Year | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Product Standards Act | Act 119 of 1990 | Quality standards, grading, packaging and marking of agricultural products — fresh produce, dairy, meat, eggs, processed food |
| Meat Safety Act | Act 40 of 2000 | Slaughter of animals for human consumption; abattoir hygiene; meat inspection; essential national standard |
| Animal Diseases Act | Act 35 of 1984 | Control of animal diseases; FMD, AI, listeriosis and anthrax protocols |
| Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act | Act 19 of 1982 | Veterinary practice regulation |
| Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act | Act 36 of 1947 | Regulation of pesticides, veterinary medicines, animal feeds |
| Animals Protection Act | Act 71 of 1962 | Prevention of cruelty to animals |
| Plant Improvement Act | Act 11 of 2018 | Seed and plant material control |
| Liquor Products Act | Act 60 of 1989 | Quality & labelling of wine, spirits and other liquor |
5.2 FBO Codes — The DALRRD Registration System
DALRRD issues Food Business Operator (FBO) codes to agricultural businesses involved in primary production (produce farms, livestock farms, abattoirs). Once a product is “processed” — sliced, cooked, packaged for retail — responsibility shifts partly to the DoH and municipal EHPs, though DALRRD retains oversight for meat, dairy and liquor products.
6. Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC)
The DTIC manages economic, commercial and consumer-protection policies. It oversees four critical technical agencies that every food business interacts with:
SABS — South African Bureau of Standards
Develops national standards (SANS) and voluntary codes. Examples: SANS 10049 (food hygiene management), SANS 885 (processed meat — now compulsory via Government Gazette No. 1058 of 2019), SANS 10330 (HACCP). Also provides ISO 22000 and BRCGS certification services.
NRCS — National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications
Split from SABS in 2008. Creates and enforces compulsory technical standards for public health, safety, environmental protection, and trade. Key food areas: canned fish and meat, processed meat, frozen bovine meat, bottled water. Issues Letters of Authority (LoAs).
SANAS — South African National Accreditation System
The only national accreditation body. Accredits certification bodies, laboratories and inspection bodies for competence. SANAS accreditation is internationally recognised via IAF and ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangements — essential for FSSC 22000 and BRCGS auditors.
NMISA — National Metrology Institute
Controls national measurement standards. Ensures weights, volumes, temperatures and other measurements used in science, industry and law are correct and uniform using the International System of Units (SI) — the foundation of all HACCP monitoring accuracy.
6.1 Consumer Protection — The Other DTIC Role
The DTIC administers the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) through the National Consumer Commission (NCC). The CPA affects every food business because it: (i) creates strict product liability for unsafe food, (ii) governs accurate labelling, pricing and marketing, (iii) enables consumer class actions, and (iv) protects consumers against misleading claims (e.g. “natural”, “organic”, “sugar-free”).
Read our full analysis of the Consumer Protection Act and the food industry →
7. Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
This is the department that most food-industry guides — including the one published by Food Safety Matters — completely omit. The DFFE regulates a vast slice of South African food production, particularly anything related to the sea, inland waters, game, and the environment.
The DFFE (formerly split between Environmental Affairs and DAFF) administers legislation that governs commercial fishing, recreational fishing, aquaculture, game ranching, wildlife harvesting, abalone operations, rock lobster, hake, pilchards, tuna, and even indigenous-plant foods. Missing DFFE compliance is a common and expensive mistake for seafood and game businesses.
7.1 DFFE Legislation Relevant to Food Businesses
| Act / Regulation | Year | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Living Resources Act | Act 18 of 1998 | Commercial fishing rights, quotas, TACs (Total Allowable Catches), fishing vessel licensing, protection of marine resources. Applies to hake, rock lobster, abalone, sardines, tuna, squid, etc. |
| National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) | Act 107 of 1998 | Environmental impact assessments for food manufacturing, abattoirs, aquaculture, effluent disposal |
| National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) | Act 10 of 2004 | Protection of biodiversity; bioprospecting permits; indigenous plant foods (rooibos, honeybush, marula, amarula, mopane worms, indigenous mushrooms) |
| National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act | Act 57 of 2003 | Game harvesting in protected areas |
| Game Theft Act | Act 105 of 1991 | Ownership, transport and slaughter of game animals; anti-poaching |
| Threatened or Protected Species Regulations (TOPS) | 2007 / amendments | Permits for utilisation of protected species |
| Aquaculture Development Bill | Progressing through Parliament | Expected to formalise aquaculture regulation; currently governed by MLRA permits |
| Waste Act | Act 59 of 2008 | Food manufacturing waste management & by-products |
| National Water Act | Act 36 of 1998 (DWS) | Water-use licences for food manufacturers, bottlers, breweries, aquaculture |
7.2 Provincial Conservation Ordinances
Each province has its own nature conservation ordinance (e.g. Limpopo Environmental Management Act, Eastern Cape Nature Conservation Act, Western Cape Biodiversity Act 2021) that additionally regulates game permits, hunting, and wildlife product movement. A game farm selling meat commercially must typically comply with: provincial permits + Meat Safety Act (DALRRD) + NEMBA + R638 (if processing) + Game Theft Act.
7.3 CITES & International Trade in Wildlife Foods
Businesses exporting any wildlife-derived food product — including game meat, honey, rooibos, honeybush, mopane worms, indigenous herbs — must comply with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), administered by the DFFE’s Biodiversity and Conservation branch.
8. Local Authorities — Where Enforcement Actually Happens
National regulations are meaningful only because municipal Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) enforce them on the ground. Under the National Health Act 61 of 2003 and Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, local municipalities issue COAs, conduct inspections, close non-compliant premises, and prosecute offenders.
Beyond the national framework, most metropolitan municipalities have additional by-laws:
- eThekwini Food, Milk and Milk Products By-laws (2022) — stricter than R638 in several areas
- City of Cape Town Business Licensing By-law
- City of Johannesburg Business Operating By-law
- Tshwane Municipal Health Services By-law
- Nelson Mandela Bay Business Licensing By-law
Read our complete municipality-by-municipality COA guide →
9. The Acts Every Food Business Must Know
| Act | Administered By | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972 | DoH | Parent Act for hygiene (R638), labelling (R146), additives, residues. Every food business is subject to it. |
| National Health Act 61 of 2003 | DoH / Municipalities | Mandates municipal Environmental Health Services; basis for EHP authority |
| Agricultural Product Standards Act 119 of 1990 | DALRRD | Quality, grading, marking and packaging of ~50 agricultural products |
| Meat Safety Act 40 of 2000 | DALRRD | Mandatory for all red-meat and poultry operations; registers abattoirs; sets EAS (Essential National Standards) |
| Liquor Products Act 60 of 1989 | DALRRD | Wine, spirits, beer quality & labelling standards |
| Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998 | DFFE | Commercial fishing, aquaculture, quotas, rights allocations |
| Game Theft Act 105 of 1991 | DFFE / Police | Game ownership, movement, slaughter, anti-poaching |
| NEMBA Act 10 of 2004 | DFFE | Bioprospecting, indigenous food plants, biodiversity protection |
| Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 | DTIC / NCC | Product liability, labelling accuracy, marketing fairness, class actions |
| Standards Act 8 of 2008 | DTIC / SABS | National standards system |
| NRCS Act 5 of 2008 | DTIC / NRCS | Compulsory technical specifications |
| Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 | Dept of Employment and Labour | Workplace safety — applies to every food factory, kitchen, abattoir |
| Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 130 of 1993 | Dept of Employment and Labour | Worker compensation |
| Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997 | Dept of Employment and Labour | Working hours, leave, food handler employment conditions |
| Tobacco Products Control Act 83 of 1993 | DoH | No smoking in food premises |
| Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) 4 of 2013 | Info Regulator | Customer data handling; allergen declarations; online food sellers |
| Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964 | SARS | Imports of food products |
| Competition Act 89 of 1998 | DTIC / Competition Commission | Anti-cartel, mergers, pricing practices |
10. The Regulations That Actually Matter — The Operator’s List
Acts set the framework; regulations set the day-to-day requirements. Here are the regulations every food business should know:
- R638 of 2018 — General Hygiene Requirements; COA requirements; training of Person in Charge & food handlers
- R146 of 2010 — Labelling & Advertising (being replaced by R3337 in 2026)
- R607 of 2024 — Maximum levels of metals in foodstuffs
- R429 of 2014 — Mycotoxin maximum levels
- R1555 of 1997 — Microbiological standards for foodstuffs
- R249 of 2011 — Maximum limits for trans-fatty acids
- R2527 of 1973 — Additives & preservatives
- R1145 of 1974 — Colourants
- R1008 of 2004 — Sanitary conditions for manufacture
- R908 of 2003 / SANS 10049 — Food hygiene management system (HACCP-based); essentially mandatory for medium/high-risk manufacturers
- R490 of 2022 — Genetically Modified (GM) food labelling
- R642 of 2018 — Slaughter of animals for human consumption — Meat Safety Act regulations
- R1072 of 2017 — Milk & milk products (Agricultural Product Standards Act)
- Draft R3337 of 2023 — New labelling regulations with front-of-pack warnings (expected to come into force 2026)
Draft Regulation R3337 will replace R146/2010. Key changes include: mandatory front-of-pack warning labels (high in sugar, salt, saturated fat); restrictions on child-directed marketing; tighter allergen declarations including gluten-free claims; stricter nutrition and health claims; new country-of-origin rules; and updated nutrition information panel formats. Transition periods will be short — food businesses should start reformulating and redesigning labels now. ASC offers specialised consulting support.
11. Sector-Specific Legislation — Meat, Fish, Game, Dairy & Informal Trade
11.1 Red Meat, Poultry & Abattoirs
- Meat Safety Act 40 of 2000 & R642 of 2018 — compulsory abattoir registration and inspection
- R638 Annexure F — butchery-specific hygiene
- SANS 885 — processed meat products (compulsory since 2019)
- SANS 1830 — boerewors specifications
- Animal Diseases Act 35 of 1984 — disease control
11.2 Fish, Shellfish & Seafood
- Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998 — fishing rights, quotas
- Agricultural Product Standards Act Reg R1499 of 1997 — quality of fish & fish products
- R638 — seafood processing hygiene
- GLOBALG.A.P. Aquaculture & Chain of Custody — for export
- EU Regulation 853/2004 — for seafood exports to EU markets
11.3 Game & Wildlife Food Products
- Game Theft Act 105 of 1991 — ownership & movement
- NEMBA Act 10 of 2004 & TOPS Regulations — protected species permits
- Meat Safety Act — game abattoirs
- Provincial nature conservation ordinances
- CITES — international trade
11.4 Dairy
- Agricultural Product Standards Act R1072 of 2017 — milk & milk product quality
- R1555 of 1997 — microbiological standards
- R638 — processing hygiene
- FSSC 22000 / BRCGS — required by Woolworths, Pick n Pay Brands & retailers
11.5 Spaza Shops & Informal Traders
Following the 2024–2025 spaza shop registration drive, informal traders must now register with their municipality and meet R638 basics. ASC’s Food Safety Practices for Informal Traders & Spaza Shops course (R879, 3.5 hours) is the compliance training designed specifically for this market.
12. Food Labelling Law — R146 of 2010 and the 2026 Replacement
The current labelling framework is Regulation R146 of 1 March 2010, promulgated under Act 54 of 1972, which governs:
- Mandatory label information (name, ingredients, net content, best-before date, name & address of manufacturer, country of origin)
- Allergen declarations (currently 9 allergens)
- Nutrition and health claims
- GMO declarations (cross-referenced with R490 of 2022)
- Prohibited claims (medicinal, therapeutic, misleading)
Draft R3337 (the “Warning Labels” regulations) — published for comment in 2023 and expected to be finalised in 2026 — will introduce front-of-pack warning labels modelled on Chile’s Nutri-Score-style system. Affected categories include sugar-sweetened beverages, high-sodium processed foods, and products high in saturated fat.
13. Private Standards — The GFSI Layer That Retailers Demand
Beyond the legal minimum, most major retailers and export markets require GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) recognised certification:
| Standard | Best For | ASC Training |
|---|---|---|
| FSSC 22000 V6 | Food manufacturing, packaging, feed | FS21 Intro to FSSC 22000 (R1 195) |
| BRCGS Issue 9 | UK & EU retailer supply | FS15 Intro to BRCGS Issue 9 (R1 195) |
| ISO 22000:2018 | Flexible FSMS; any food chain category | FS19 Intro to ISO 22000 (R999) |
| GLOBALG.A.P. IFA V6 | Primary producers exporting produce | FS14 GLOBALG.A.P. IFA V6 (R4 200) |
All four sit on a HACCP foundation — which is why ASC’s 3-level HACCP pathway (Introduction → Supervisors → Advanced Implementation) is the most strategic training investment any ambitious food business can make.
14. How to Achieve Compliance — The ASC Method
Based on 10+ years of guiding 50+ South African companies through successful compliance and certification, here is the proven sequence:
- Map your regulations. Identify every Act, regulation and by-law that applies to your product, premises and processes. ASC’s curated legislation library helps.
- Secure your COA. Get Regulation R638 compliance sorted — the Person in Charge completes accredited training, food handlers complete basic training, premises meet R638 standards, COA is obtained from the municipality. Full COA guide →
- Add sector-specific licences. Meat → DALRRD registration. Fish → MLRA permits. Game → NEMBA/provincial permits. Organic/GAP → GLOBALG.A.P.
- Build PRPs (prerequisite programmes). GMP, sanitation, pest control, waste management, training. ASC’s GMP Implementation course (R1 950) sets the foundation.
- Implement HACCP. Assemble team → conduct hazard analysis → identify CCPs → establish critical limits, monitoring, corrective action & verification. ASC’s 3-level HACCP pathway gets you there.
- Pursue GFSI certification (if required). FSSC 22000, BRCGS, GLOBALG.A.P. — select based on customer and export market requirements.
- Embed food safety culture. Now an FSSC 22000 V6 & BRCGS Issue 9 requirement. ASC’s FS32 Food Safety & Quality Culture course (R1 195) delivers.
- Verify continuously. Internal audits, mock recalls, management review, root cause analysis for deviations.
15. Training — The Legal Cornerstone of Every Compliant Food Business
Every single one of the regulations above ultimately depends on people who understand them. That’s where training becomes the single highest-leverage investment in your compliance journey.
15.1 Basic Food Safety Courses (For Food Handlers & Persons in Charge)
Food Safety for Persons in Charge (R638)
The flagship COA-compliant course. Covers R638 in full, GMP, personal hygiene, legislation, ISO 22000, HACCP principles, microbiology.
Basic Food Safety for Food Handlers
Satisfies R638 10(1)(b). For kitchen staff, cleaners, warehouse and production operators.
Basic Food Hygiene Awareness
Entry-level awareness. Ideal for part-time staff, new hires, and waiters.
Food Safety for Spaza Shops & Informal Traders
Targeted at the township & informal trade sector following the 2024–2025 spaza shop registration drive.
Implementation of GMP
The Prerequisite Programme (PRP) foundation required under every HACCP, FSSC 22000, BRCGS and GLOBALG.A.P. system.
15.2 HACCP Training — From Introduction to Advanced Implementation
Introduction to HACCP
Codex 7 Principles & 12 Steps. Entry point for anyone joining a HACCP team.
HACCP for Supervisors & Teams
The core HACCP team training. Full hazard analysis, CCP determination, HACCP plan development.
Advanced HACCP Implementation
For QA managers & HACCP team leaders preparing for FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, BRCGS certification.
16. Why ASC Beats Every Competitor
| Feature | ASC Food Safety | Typical Competitors |
|---|---|---|
| SAATCA Accreditation | TC No. 065 | Rarely held |
| HPCSA + FoodBev SETA + SAATCA (triple accreditation) | ✓ Yes | Usually one only |
| Registered Lead Auditor (Exemplar Global & IRCA) | ✓ Founder | Rare |
| Registered GLOBALG.A.P. Trainer | ✓ Yes | Rare |
| SAATCA R638:2018 Lead Implementer | ✓ 1 of 3 in SA | No |
| Covers every legislation (R638, Meat Safety, MLRA, NEMBA, Labelling) | ✓ Full spectrum | R638 only |
| 20+ accredited courses (not just 1–3) | ✓ | Limited |
| QR-coded verifiable certificates | ✓ | PDF only |
| Self-paced online 24/7, any device | ✓ | Often fixed |
| Lifetime access to materials | ✓ | Rare |
| Full consultancy (audits, FSMS, implementation) | ✓ | Training only |
| Offices: Gqeberha · Randburg · Cape Town | ✓ 3 offices | Usually 1 |
| BBBEE Level 1 (135% procurement recognition) | ✓ | Usually lower |
17. Frequently Asked Questions
Which government departments regulate food in South Africa?
Five national departments: (1) Department of Health — hygiene, safety, labelling; (2) DALRRD — agriculture, meat, dairy, liquor; (3) DTIC — via SABS, NRCS, SANAS, NMISA; (4) DFFE — fisheries, aquaculture, game, biodiversity; (5) Local municipalities — on-the-ground enforcement through EHPs.
What is the single most important regulation for my food business?
Regulation R638 of 2018, because it requires a Certificate of Acceptability (COA) before you can legally trade. Every other regulation layers on top of this.
Do I need to comply with DFFE laws if I run a fish-and-chips shop?
If you buy fish from licensed suppliers, your retail operation primarily needs a COA under R638. But if you source directly from fishermen, own a fishing vessel, run a commercial fishing operation or aquaculture farm — yes, the Marine Living Resources Act applies.
Can I sell biltong from game I hunted myself?
Only if you hold the correct provincial hunting permits, game was slaughtered at a registered game abattoir per the Meat Safety Act, and your processing facility has a COA. Selling biltong from home-slaughtered game without these is illegal.
When will the new 2026 labelling regulations take effect?
Draft R3337 is expected to be finalised in 2026 with transition periods announced at promulgation. ASC is monitoring the process and will publish updated guidance the moment the final regulations are gazetted.
Is HACCP legally required or just a commercial standard?
R638 requires basic HACCP awareness only. However, Regulation R908 (SANS 10049) effectively makes HACCP-based systems mandatory for medium and high-risk food manufacturers. Retailers and exporters make it contractually mandatory. In practice, HACCP is non-negotiable for most food manufacturers.
Does ASC’s training satisfy all these legal training requirements?
Yes. ASC is SAATCA (TC No. 065), HPCSA and FoodBev SETA (587/00337/1900) accredited. The Persons in Charge course satisfies R638 10(1)(a). The Food Handlers courses satisfy 10(1)(b). The HACCP courses satisfy all retailer, FSSC 22000, ISO 22000 and BRCGS training requirements.
Where can I find the actual text of these laws?
Official legislation is published at gov.za/documents and in the Government Gazette. ASC maintains a curated legislation library at ascfoodsafety.com/resources.
My municipality has additional by-laws — where do I start?
Always start by contacting your municipality’s Environmental Health Department. ASC’s municipality-by-municipality COA guide provides contact details for all eight metros.
I sell food online via Instagram and WhatsApp — do these laws apply?
Yes. Every one of them, plus POPIA for customer data. You need a COA for the premises where you prepare the food, and your labelling must still comply with R146 (and soon R3337).
18. Your Compliance Starts Today
Turn Compliance Into Competitive Advantage
Join 3 374+ food safety professionals trained by the only SAATCA Training Centre (No. 065) in South Africa that also holds HPCSA, FoodBev SETA, and Registered Lead Auditor credentials. BBBEE Level 1. Trusted by KFC, Spur, wine estates, food manufacturers, packhouses, and spaza shops across South Africa.
Start with R638 Persons in Charge — R1 650 Browse All 20+ CoursesNeed expert guidance on your specific legislation mix? Book a free virtual consultation
Gqeberha (Head Office): +27 41 004 0382 · Randburg: +27 10 500 4661 · Cape Town: +27 21 300 4024 · info@ascfoodsafety.com
Last reviewed: 24 April 2026 · © 2026 ASC Food Safety Consultants · SAATCA TC No. 065 · HPCSA Accredited · FoodBev SETA 587/00337/1900 · BBBEE Level 1. This guide is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current requirements with the relevant government department or consult ASC directly.