Food Labelling
Food Labelling and Advertising Regulations
Compiled by Gabi Steenkamp, Registered Dietician, Johannesburg

Why new legislation?

In the past, South African food manufacturers have used marketing strategies
that mislead the consumer, not only directly with blatant untruths printed on labels,
but also by misleading the consumer with half truths or by implication on label and marketing information.

A good example of this are the vegetable oils that are labeled 'contains 0%
cholesterol', when in fact all vegetable oils DO NOT contain cholesterol. By
implication, consumers would then assume that only those oils labeled with the
'contains 0% cholesterol' are the healthier choice as only they contain no cholesterol.

To address these problems, the Food Directorate of the Department of Health, has been hard at work reformulating the Food Labelling Regulations.

Food Labelling example

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Below is a brief summary of some of the regulations pertaining to the labelling
and advertising of foods in South Africa.

SOME MANDATORY INFORMATION REQUIRED ON LABELS

	Accurate name of the product informing the consumer of exactly what is in the packaging.
	Ingredients in descending order of mass
	All allergens must be identified in the prescribed format
	Country of origin
	Batch identification number
	Use by date / Best before date
	Typical Nutritional Information Table for ALL products with claims, in the prescribed format. Products without claims may have a voluntary Typical Nutritional Information Table but this is not mandatory.

	Name and address in South Africa of the manufacturer or importer or distributor
	Net contents in metric units
	Agricultural products must also comply with the relevant agricultural standards act for that specific food.

DESCRIPTIVE WORDS

The following words may not appear on any food product:

	x% fat free. Must state contains xx % fat
	Nutritious or other words implying the same thing
	Healthy / healthful / health or other words implying the same thing
	Wholesome / complete nutrition / balanced nutrition and other words implying the same thing
	“Sugar free” and “Fat free” are only allowed, if specific conditions, as set out in the Food Labelling Regulations are met.
	"Suitable for those with diabetes", "diabetic friendly" or words with a similar meaning, may technically not be used until phase two of the legislation is passed. When passed, there will be stipulated criteria  that need to be met before such a claim may be made. (e.g. low GI, lower fat, controlled sodium)
	All descriptive words must be carefully chosen to ensure that no implied claims are inadvertently made and that descriptions such as "home made" or "natural" etc. fall within the CODEX definitions.

 

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CLAIMS

	Phase one only makes provision for limited specific claims with specific wording that must be included on the label and/or advertising of the product.
	If any claim is made, certain provisos must be met, the least of which is that the nutritional analysis of the product must be done by a reputable SANAS accredited laboratory, following accredited procedures as set out in the regulations. No calculated nutritional information is allowed in this case.
	Phase two will contain the rest of the claims. For example glycemic index claims (absorption rate of a carbohydrate containing food), must be properly tested as set out in the regulations by a SANAS accredited organization.
	The endorsement programme of DIABETES SA is run by the Glycemic Index Foundation of SA (GIFSA), which is run by qualified dietitians. This endorsement has been approved by the Department of Health until phase two of the regulations has been passed.
	Endorsement of a product may only be granted by an organization  where the endorsement programme is run by professionals, and where the specifications have been set up in keeping with the latest research. No company or member of the HPCSA may endorse its own products.

See the government website for more detailed information.

For a food labelling consultant, or food labelling workshops contact
Gabi Steenkamp

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SERVICES OFFERED:

Food label evaluation

What is it?

All food labels in South Africa have to comply with the latest food labeling and advertising legislation in South Africa. We can thoroughly evaluate your labels to ensure that no regulations of the act are contravened. Should a complaint have been lodged against one of your labels or advertisements, we can assess where the error lies and how to correct it. Please note that we are not graphic artists and do not design labels.

How do I go about it?

Email your label to us in PDF format with the label measurements and we will quote on the work to be done. For example a detailed evaluation with regard to the latest food labelling and advertising legislation in South Africa or proof reading after corrections or calculated nutritional analysis for products without claims. Once the quote has been accepted, a time frame will be worked out and the completion date will be emailed to you.

What do I get for my money?

Once complete you will receive: Detailed report with recommendations Detailed nutrition or function claims information, if requested Assistance with correct wording that may be missing or needs correction

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