LEGISLATION
A Certificate of Acceptability, popularly known as a CoA or food business permit, applies nationwide and is a legal requirement for any business handling food. It is issued by local authorities such as Metropolitan Councils, District Councils, or Local Town Municipalities, depending on the location of the business.
Local Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs), under the Department of Environmental Management, are responsible for issuing the CoA, conducting annual renewals, and performing year-round inspections to ensure ongoing compliance with food safety regulations.
Compliance with the main regulatory requirements by Business owners;
- Duties and training of the person in charge of the food premises (e.g., manager or owner), who must undergo accredited food safety training as required by Regulation 10(1)(a) of R638.
- Training of staff handling food to ensure they follow best hygiene practices.
- Structural compliance of the business premises with environmental health standards, such as appropriate design and layout for food handling areas.
- Suitability of food preparation equipment to ensure safe handling of food
- Temperature control for the storage and preparation of foodstuff, preventing spoilage and contamination.
- Product traceability, which ensures that food products can be tracked from supplier to consumer, enabling swift recalls if necessary.
- Waste management practices to ensure proper disposal of food waste and minimize contamination risks.
- Pest control and record keeping to prevent contamination of food by pests.
- Awareness and prevention of health hazards that could potentially contaminate food.
NOTICE
A Certificate of Acceptability is non-transferable between owners or premises. If a business is sold or relocates, a new CoA must be applied for. Additionally, any significant changes to the premises or the type of food handled will require a re-inspection and re-issuance of the certificate.
Annual Renewal of Certificate of Acceptability:
- Franchise Businesses: Renewal every two years.
- Privately Owned Businesses: Renewable annually.
The CoA can be withdrawn or suspended if the business fails to maintain compliance with the endorsements and standards set forth in Regulation R638. Businesses are subject to routine inspections to ensure continued adherence to health regulations.
LEGISLATION
Foodstuff, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Act 54 of 1972), (Regulations Governing General Hygiene Requirements for
Food Premises, the Transport of Food and Related Matters) under Regulation R638:2018.
A Certificate of Acceptability, popularly known as a COA or a food business permit applies throughout the country and is a compliance certificate issued by The Department of Environmental Management with the local Metropolitan Councils, District Councils, or the Local Town Municipality depending on the location of the Business.
The Department of Environmental Management in Metropolitan, District, and or Local Town Municipalities departments are responsible for the issuing, annual renewing, and year-round inspections of food handling businesses and premises.
Compliance with the main regulatory requirements by Business owners;
- Duties and training of a person in charge of the food premises. (Manager and Owner)
- Staff food handler’s training.
- Business and premises structure compliance pertaining to environmental health.
- Suitability of food preparation equipment.
- Temperature requirements for the storage and preparation of Foodstuff.
- Product traceability information.
- Waste management.
- Pest control and record keeping.
- Health hazards that could potentially contaminate the food.
NOTICE
A Certificate of Acceptability License or Application is not transferable at the change of ownership (When the Business is Sold) or from one premise to another (When the Business is relocated). The Certificate of Acceptability License is “Renewable”, by the Metropolitan Councils, Local Town Municipalities, or District Councils, depending on the geographical area and by-laws of the Council and or Municipality.
Annual Renewal of Certificate of Acceptability License:
- Franchise Businesses – Renewal Every Second Year
- Privately Owned Businesses – Renewable Annually
A Certificate of Acceptability License can be withdrawn or suspended if not complying with endorsements. Once the health license has been granted, your premises may be inspected from time to time.