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New labelling regulations: start preparing for changes |
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March 2010 |
The long-awaited first stage regulations relating to the labelling and advertising of foodstuffs were published in the Government Gazette last week. Most of the regulations will come into effect on 1 March 2011.
The regulations form part of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics &
Disinfectants Act (Act 54 of 1972), which controls the sale,
manufacture and importation of all foodstuffs within SA. They have been
updated by the SA Department of Health's Directorate of Food Control to
strengthen the effectiveness of food labelling legislation, close
loopholes in the system and incorporate new developments resulting from
scientific research as well as international Codex standards and
guidelines.
The regulations and their backing guidelines can be downloaded from www.doh.gov.za/department/foodcontrol/main.html
The directorate will now start working on the more contentious second stage regulations, which include:
* Advertising of foods to children.
* Annexure 6 (which proposed to label certain foodstuffs as non-essential for a healthy diet).
* Front-of-pack labelling.
* Glycemic index.
* Health claims.
* Serving sizes.
* Trans fats.
In response to the publication of the first stage regulations and their
implications for the food industry, the Food Safety Initiative (FSI), a
division of the Consumer Goods Council of SA, will be hosting one-day
training workshops in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town soon. For more
information, contact Linda Brink at FSI: Tel 011-789-5777;
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Consulting in Food Labelling (CFL) - consisting of Nigel Sunley, Moira
Byers and Jane Badham - is also offering companies half-day workshops
in April, covering:
* The significant changes from the 20 July 2007 draft and the previous regulations.
* Areas that will impact on the way a business labels and advertises itself and its products.
* Key aspects that a business considers important to its operations.
Cost: R10,500 (excl VAT) for a maximum of 12 people.
Contact CFL: food
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