Several articles on the new labelling regulations (R146) published on other websites.....

Ten key labelling regulation changes

The new labelling regulations (R146) which become law on 1 March 2011 are lengthy and complex. At a recent breakfast organised by F&B Reporter/Packaging Reporter at Africa's Big Seven Expo, nutrition and labelling consultant Jane Badham set out 10 key label and advertising changes which the SA foodbev industry needs to understand.

 1. All labels will change: Every single food label in SA will have to change, and time is running out. The cost implications are large. It is expected that the system will be largely self-regulating, with competitors reporting each other for non- compliance.

2. Claims - almost all are out! Out are: nutrient function claims; enhanced- function claims; reduction-of-disease risk claims; pre- and probiotic claims; glycemic index claims; slimming claims; and trans fat claims. DevelopTechnology. Read more

"How to comply" guide to the new labelling regulations

Stumped by the new labelling regulations? This useful article published on The Food Safety Network is an ideal starting point, written in plain English, that outlines the gist of the regulations. It is designed to address some of the main concerns expressed by manufacturers. Read more [The Food Safety Network]

Labelling regulations: are you ready to make the changes?     

The new labelling and advertising of foodstuffs regulations (R146 of 2010) , which were recently published by the Department of Health's Food Directorate, require virtually every product label in SA's food and beverage industry to be changed by 1 March 2011. Industry consultant, Nigel Sunley, says that the regulations are an example of the classic dilemma that exists in labelling - "providing consumers with more and simpler information, two fundamentally contradictory ideas". Read more [DevelopTechnology, May 2010]

To view/download a PDF file of the full Regulations, click here.

To view/download a set of Guidelines to the Regulations published by the DoH, click here.

New Food Labelling and Advertising Regulations

Compiled by Gabi Steenkamp, Registered Dietician, Johannesburg

With the first half of the new South African food labelling and advertising regulations having been passed in March 2010, it would be prudent to design labels and advertising of new products with this in mind. In addition, all existing food labels and advertising must be in compliance with these regulations by the 31st March 2011.

Why new legislation?
In the past, South African food manufacturers have used marketing strategies that mislead the consumer, not only directly with blatent untruths printed on labels, but also by misleading the consumer with half truths or by implication.

To address these problems, the Food Directorate of the Department of Health, has reformulated the Food Labelling Regulations. In essence, the objective is to create an equal platform for all products by stating: only facts; not confusing the consumer by word or implication; and using the label as a platform for consumer education.

[Useful website, succinctly explained with pictorial examples]. Read more

New regulations will trim the fat on food advertising messages

The Labelling and Advertising of Foodstuffs Regulations were published on 1 March 2010 and are designed to protect consumers against misleading and dangerous labelling of food products. Professor Piet Delport, consultant to the Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA), says: “"This is a very big and contentious issue. The new regulations will completely alter the way in which food products are positioned and presented to consumers.”"

Existing regulations stipulate that food labels cannot make any health claims and the new regulations take this concept further and outlaw the use of certain words that imply health or nutritional benefits. Read more [Hotel & Restaurant]

When can you use the South African Food Composition Database (SAFOOD) for food labelling purposes ....

 .... When NO claims are made about a food product, nutrient information from SAFOOD can be utilised under certain conditions. Read more [MRC SAFOOD website]

Health Department publishes new regulations relating to the Labelling and Advertising of Foodstuffs

Healthy food choices are an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. South Africa is one of many countries that committed themselves to implementing the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health - an international initiative aimed at the improvement of human health worldwide. As a member of the WHO the Department of Health supports this initiative and is of the view that the country can practically implement this Strategy by means of healthy food choices, improved nutrition and accurate and fair labelling practices.

The existing food labelling regulations (R.2034 of 29 October 1993) published under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972), which have been in place for a number of years, had some shortcomings that needed to be addressed. It is for this reason that the Minister of Health approved the new Regulations related to the Labelling and Advertising of Foodstuffs in terms of the mentioned Act and which were published in the Government Gazette on 1 March 2010 as Government Notice R 146. Read more [Government press statement]