Product packaging and labelling have grown in importance as effective marketing tools for attracting customers. Craig Murrell, Agri Enterprises’ head of advisory services, shares his expertise on the importance of understanding the South African food law and the essentials to put on your packaging as a manufacturer.
Product packaging refers to the physical materials used to wrap or protect goods, whereas product labels are placed on the product package to convey information such as the product’s maker, date of manufacturing, expiry date, ingredients, how to use the product, and how to handle it.
Consumers’ primary point of access to information about the food they consume is printed on the food packaging.
So, if you are looking into becoming an agri-processor, there are specific regulations you must adhere to regarding food packaging and labelling. In the episode, Murrell unpacks this in detail.
Understanding South African food law
Specific labelling requirements for food products are outlined in the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants (FCD) Act (Act No. 54 of 1972) (No. R146) and the regulations created in accordance with it. These standards are part of South African food legislation. The laws and regulations are connected to one another. For instance, the Consumer Protection Act (2008)’s labelling part is based on or relates to the FCD.
“The FCD is currently being amended by an act that is open to public comment. These are the regulations relating to the Labelling and Advertising of Foodstuffs Act (RRLAF). The RRLAF reinforces some basic requirements like ingredient lists, allergen warnings and nutritional tables, as well as introduces lots of changes for food naming descriptions,” he says.
In this episode, Murrel also discusses:
- Advice to farmers interested in agro-processing;
- What is compulsory to have on a label and why.
Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track.
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