New Food Labeling Regs Take Effect in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South AfricaDelayed for one year to allow the industry extra time to revise product labels in preparation, South Africas new mandatory food labeling regulation (R146) became effective from March 1, 2012. The new rule was enacted to prevent the use of misleading or ambiguous food labels and applies to domestic and international food manufacturers.

Mandatory information now is required on food labels include the name and address of the manufacturer, importer or distributor, instructions for use, net content, country of origin, batch identification, use by date, nutrient analysis per 100 g (or per 100 ml of liquids), a list of ingredients and a list of any common allergens.

Regulation R146 mandates labels must contain the contents of foodstuffs (e.g. colorants, preservatives, herbs and spices, etc.) Ingredients must be listed in order of descending mass (not volume). The ingredient weighing the most will be listed first and the ingredient weighing the least will be listed last. Common allergens include gluten, milk, eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish or crustaceans, and major cereals (wheat, rye, barley, and oats).

Misleading descriptions are prohibited on packaging and labels, including words or images, marks, logo or descriptions that create the impression foods are endorsed by health practitioners, organizations, institutes or foundations. Exceptions to the rule include religious certification organizations, Fauna & Flora certifications, and organizations accredited under the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS). No individual endorsement or testimony implying a nutritional claim, an endorsement of the manufacturer or seller (by a logo, mark, symbol, written or verbal statement) are allowed on the labels.

Specific words and phrases forbidden for nutrient claims are "rich in", "excellent source", "good source", "enriched with X", "with added X", "X free" or similar wording, "nutritious", " healthy", "wholesome", "complete nutrition" or "balanced nutrition" or other words or symbols that imply health giving properties, the word "cure" or any other medicinal claim. Other misleading descriptions, e.g. "grain fed", "Karoo lamb", "natural lamb", "country reared", "free range", "pure," and "organic" are also banned.

Statements to the effect of being fresh, natural, pure, traditional, original, authentic, real, genuine, homemade, farm house, handmade, selected, premium, finest, quality, best or any other words or pictures that convey similar concepts are also prohibited unless the products are compliant with Food Standards Agency (FSA) criteria.