Regulations relating to the classification,

packing & marking of dairy products &

imitation dairy products

( R. 260 of 27 March 2015)

Agricultural Product Standards, Act 1990 (Act No.119 of 1990)

Yvonne TšianeChief Food Safety & Quality Assurance OfficerDirectorate: Food Safety & Quality Assurance

SA Society of Dairy Technology

2015 Dairy Symposium

Outline

Background

Classification

New classification: Milk

New classification: Other dairy products

Conditions for use of nutrient content & comparative claims

Marking requirements

Effective date of R. 260

Other regulations under the APS Act

Contact details: Inspection Services

Background

R. 2581 were originally promulgated in 20

November 1987 and subsequently amended in 1988,

1989 and 1994.

The DoH published the labelling regulations (R.

146) which covers among other requirements, the

nutritional content claims ( Low fat & fat free) and

marking requirements which over lapses with the

requirements of R. 2581.

Classification

New classification for dairy products differs with

that of R. 2581.

Certain parameters aligned with the international

standards (Codex).

Take note of the spec for each category.

New Classification: Milk

•High Fat Milk: More than 4.5 %

•Full Fat Milk: More than 3.3 – 4.5 %

•Medium Fat Milk: - More than 1.5 – 3.3 %

•Low Fat Milk: More than 0.5 – 1.5 %

•Fat Free/ Skimmed Milk: Not more 0.5 %

2 % Low Fat Milk will no longer be classified

as “Low Fat Milk”

New Classification: Other dairy products

What about low fat and fat free claims on other

dairy products, e.g. Cheese, Butter?

General:-

Nutrient content claims (Low fat & Fat free) are

allowed.

The comparative claim (Reduced fat) is allowed.

Conditions for use of nutrient content &

comparative claims

Regulation 3 (1) ( b):-

The dairy product does not fall within the classes

already provided for in the regulations.

The expression “fat free”, “low fat” or “reduced

fat” as the case may be, shall form part of the

class designation.

Requirements of the relevant regulations (R. 146)

shall be complied with.

Marking requirements

Class designation (as specified in the regulations) on

the main panel with letters of same type, size, colour

& font.

Additional particulars on the main panel:

Modified/ Imitation dairy products- “with (name of the

added fat)”.

Marking requirements cont…

Name & address of the manufacturer, packer,

importer or seller.

Country of origin.

Ingredient list, date marking & batch code as per

the FCD Act.

Nett and/or drained mass or volume as per the

Trade Metrology Act.

NB!! Letter size requirements for each

indication.

Effective Date

Comes into operation 12 Months after date of

publication 27 March 2016.

Now?? … R. 2581 is still valid.

D:IS will continue with the issuing of directions

and/or seizures for products which contravene the

provisions of R. 2581.

Labels or packaging which are aligned with the

requirements of R.260 prior to 28 March 2016 will

not be acted against.

Other APS regulation: Edible Ices

The Regulations Regarding the Classification,

Packing & Marking of Edible Ices intended for sale

in RSA [ Notice No. R. 78 of 08 February 2013]

Scope: Diary Ice Cream, Ice Cream, Frozen

Dairy Dessert, Frozen Desserts, Frozen Yoghurt,

ect.

Contact Details: Inspection Services

Western Cape:

Ms. Magdelele Otto

(021) 809 1705

MagdeleneO@daff.gov.za

Gauteng:

Ms. Magdeline Maphalle

(011) 971 5139

MagdelineM@daff.gov.za

KZN:

Mr. Naresh Naidoo

(031) 368 8527

NareshN@daff.gov.za

Eastern Cape:

Mr. Johan Cillers

(054) 338 5902

JohanCi@daff.gov.za

Thank you!!

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