by Splash Marketing and Communications
If you are operating within the foodstuffs supply industry, we’re really hoping you know what the cold chain is. If not, we’re going to stop you right here, direct you to the ‘contact us’ page and get us on the phone, pronto! If by some or other odd fluke you just call it something else, let’s see if those correlate: The cold chain refers to a temperature-controlled supply chain that is used to preserve and maintain the quality and safety of temperature-sensitive products, such as perishable foods. Same thing? Few! Thank goodness.
So, let’s get to it, the primary goal of the cold chain is to ensure that foodstuffs products are kept within a specific temperature range to prevent spoilage, degradation, or the growth of harmful microorganisms. In South Africa, a few regulatory bodies ensure compliance to the cold chain, which is important for your business and the general public. Thanks for nothing, Wuhan.
Luckily, in South Africa, the cold chain regulations are governed by the Department of Health (DoH) and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD). The key regulations and guidelines that relate to the cold chain include:
Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act (Act 54 of 1972): This act, administered by the Department of Health, regulates the production, sale, and labeling of foodstuffs, including requirements for food storage, handling, and transport.
Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Regulations (R962 of 1972): These regulations complement the Foodstuffs Act and provide more specific requirements for food handling, storage, and transport, including temperature control for perishable items.
Department of Health Guidelines: The Department of Health has also published guidelines specifically related to food safety, storage, and handling practices, including those concerning the cold chain.
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP): South Africa, like many other countries, has adopted the HACCP system to ensure the safety of food products throughout the supply chain. HACCP principles apply to the cold chain to identify and manage potential hazards.
South African Bureau of Standards (SABS): The SABS sets standards for various industries in South Africa, including those related to cold chain management for specific types of food products.
Pharmaceutical Products Act (Act 53 of 1974): This act regulates the storage, transportation, and distribution of pharmaceutical products in South Africa, including those that require temperature-controlled environments.
If you are in an industry such as food manufacturing, distributing and retail, you have to comply with these regulations to ensure the safety and quality of food products and other temperature-sensitive goods. Not doing so might as well cost you your business one day, or worse, jeopardise the safety of an actual human.
Regulations also change over time, and that’s why it is important to have us on your side. PTQA is always clued-up and up to date on cold chain regulations in South Africa. Give us a call.