Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Act 54 of 1972)
The main law regulating the manufacture, importation, sale, composition, labelling, packaging, and safety of all foodstuffs, cosmetics, and disinfectants in South Africa.
It empowers the Minister of Health to issue regulations governing additives, contaminants, microbiological limits, hygiene requirements, prohibited substances, inspection powers, recall authority, and product safety controls. This Act forms the legislative backbone for ensuring consumer health protection and regulating product safety across the food, cosmetic, and disinfectant sectors.
DEPARTMENT
Department of Health
REGULATION NAME
National Act
NO. AND DATE
Act 54 of 1972 — Assented to on 22 June 1972 (Commenced 1 October 1972)
SUMMARY
The main law regulating the manufacture, importation, sale, composition, labelling, packaging, and safety of all foodstuffs, cosmetics, and disinfectants in South Africa.
It empowers the Minister of Health to issue regulations governing additives, contaminants, microbiological limits, hygiene requirements, prohibited substances, inspection powers, recall authority, and product safety controls. This Act forms the legislative backbone for ensuring consumer health protection and regulating product safety across the food, cosmetic, and disinfectant sectors.
REGULATIONS
Pesticide Residue Limits (MRLs)
Lists goods that must carry compliant trade descriptions to ensure consumers receive accurate information about contents, quantity, origin, quality, and materials.
Labelling & Advertising of Foodstuffs
Requires accurate ingredient lists, allergen declarations, nutrition information and controls on claims/advertising to protect and inform consumers.
Fungus-Produced Toxins / Mycotoxins
Sets permitted limits for aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxin and other mycotoxins in specific commodities (e.g., maize, peanuts).
Regulations Relating to Miscellaneous Additives in Foodstuffs
Sets the financial threshold for which businesses (juristic persons like companies, trusts, close corporations) are covered by the CPA.
Soft Drinks / Preservatives & Specific Commodity Regulations
Regulates permitted preservatives, sweeteners and compositional standards for non-alcoholic beverages (soft drinks). Refer to current consolidated Gazette for exact GN numbers per amendment.
General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises, Transport & Related Matters
Sets mandatory hygiene, structure, equipment, cleaning, pest control and transport standards for food premises and vehicles — core for food-safety compliance.
HACCP System Regulations
Recognizes HACCP as the accepted food-safety management framework; sets requirements for HACCP plans, verification, certification and sector-specific plans. (Often used by processors and importers.)
Maximum Levels of Metals in Foodstuffs
Sets maximum permitted concentrations for heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, etc.) in food to limit toxic exposure.
Regulations Regarding Processed Foodstuffs
Controls processing, labelling and sale of processed foods; prevents unsafe re-use/recycling of food materials and sets compositional/quality rules.
NOTICES
Use of Food Additives
Proposed updated/additional rules on permitted additives, modernization of annexures and safety assessments — currently in notice/draft form (watch for final Gazette).
GUIDELINES
Food recalls & DoH guidance
Non-binding guidance for recalls, plus notices listing prohibited substances and specific safety guidance. Useful for recall procedures and public safety communications.
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