Definition: South African Department of Health regulations governing the transport and storage of perishable foodstuffs under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Act 54 of 1972).
Key Requirements
Temperature Control:
- Specific temperature ranges by product category
- Continuous monitoring and recording
- Temperature excursion protocols
- Equipment calibration
Hygiene Standards:
- Vehicle and facility cleanliness
- Pest control programs
- Separation of raw/cooked products
- Personal hygiene requirements
Documentation Requirements:
- Temperature logs (minimum 2-year retention)
- Cleaning records
- Maintenance records
- Training records
- Corrective action reports
Critical Misconception: R638 is NOT a certification. It is mandatory regulatory compliance. There is no “R638 certificate” issued. Operators must maintain compliance and be able to demonstrate it during inspections.
Enforcement: Municipal Environmental Health Practitioners conduct inspections. Non-compliance can result in fines, closure orders, or product seizure.
Related Terms: Food Safety, Temperature Monitoring, EHP, HACCP, Compliance
Resources: R638 Compliance Guide, Temperature Log Templates, Compliance Self-Assessment
Find Services: R638 compliance consultants