Definition: Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. The South African government department responsible for agricultural policy, regulation, and development, including oversight of agricultural product exports and food safety for products of animal origin. Why It Matters: DALRRD certification is essential for agricultural cold chain exports. Compliance with meat safety regulations is mandatory for domestic meat transport and storage.…
Department of Employment and Labour
Definition: The South African government department responsible for employment policy, labour relations, and occupational health and safety enforcement, including workplace inspections for OHS Act compliance. Why It Matters: The Department enforces occupational health and safety legislation in workplaces, including cold chain facilities. Non-compliance can result in prohibition notices, fines, or prosecution. Cold Chain Relevant Functions:– OHS Act compliance inspections– Pressure…
EHP (Environmental Health Practitioner)
Professionally registered health practitioner qualified to inspect food facilities, assess R638 compliance, and issue compliance reports. Registration with Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) required.
FoodBev SETA
Definition: Food and Beverages Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority. The SETA responsible for skills development in the food and beverage manufacturing sector, including cold chain operations. Why It Matters: FoodBev SETA qualifications are nationally recognized. Learnerships provide funded training opportunities. Skills development claims can offset training costs. Demonstrates commitment to workforce development. Relevant Qualifications:– National Certificate: Food and Beverage…
GCCA (Cold Chain Certification)
Definition: Industry-specific cold chain certification under development by the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA). Aims to provide a comprehensive standard specifically designed for temperature-controlled logistics operations. Why It Matters: A dedicated cold chain certification would provide industry-specific standards beyond general food safety schemes. GCCA membership provides early access to developments and input opportunities. Proposed Scope:– Cold storage facilities– Refrigerated transport–…
HACCP
Definition: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points. A systematic, science-based approach to food safety that identifies, evaluates, and controls hazards throughout the food production and handling process. Why It Matters: HACCP is the foundation of modern food safety management. Required by R638 regulations, retail customers, and export markets. Forms the basis for more comprehensive standards like ISO 22000 and FSSC…
HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa)
Statutory body regulating health professions in South Africa, including Environmental Health Practitioners who conduct food safety inspections.
IFS Logistics
Definition: International Featured Standard for Logistics. A GFSI-benchmarked standard for logistics service providers covering transport, storage, and distribution of food and non-food products. Why It Matters: Particularly recognized in European markets (Germany, France, Italy). Provides comprehensive coverage of logistics activities with GFSI recognition for mutual acceptance with other schemes. Scope Coverage:– Transport (refrigerated and ambient)– Warehousing and storage– Loading and…
Meat Safety Act Regulations — Red Meat & Poultry
The Meat Safety Act regulations for red meat (GN R.1072 of 2004) and poultry (GN R.162 of 2006) — temperature, segregation, hygiene and traceability requirements for meat transport and storage.
OHS Act (Occupational Health and Safety Act)
South African Act 85 of 1993 governing workplace safety. Cold chain operations have specific safety requirements around refrigeration systems, confined spaces, and hazardous materials.