Licentia Franchise SA

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Your Freedom to Business Licenses

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Licentia - Logo (White Long) 2

Your Freedom to Business Licenses

CONTACT US
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1. - What is a Certificate of Acceptability (CoA) and why do I need one?

VIEW ANSWER

The Certificate of Acceptability (CoA) is a permit issued by local health authorities confirming that a food business complies with the hygiene and food safety regulations outlined in Regulation R638. It is required for any business that handles, prepares, or distributes food for human consumption. Without a CoA, operating a food business is illegal in South Africa.

2. - How do I apply for a Certificate of Acceptability (CoA)?

VIEW ANSWER

To apply for a CoA, you must contact your local municipality’s Environmental Health Department. The application typically requires submission of a completed form, floor plans of the premises, proof of identity, and details about the food handling processes. An inspection will then be scheduled to assess compliance with the required standards.

3. - How long does it take to get a Certificate of Acceptability?

VIEW ANSWER

The time it takes to receive your CoA can vary depending on your municipality. Generally, after submitting your application, an inspection is conducted, and if your premises meet all the requirements, the CoA is issued within a few weeks. However, delays may occur if corrections are needed after inspection.

4. - What is included in the inspection process for a CoA?

VIEW ANSWER

During the inspection, a local Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) will evaluate the premises for cleanliness, proper food handling procedures, equipment suitability, waste management, temperature controls, pest control, and staff hygiene. The inspection ensures compliance with the General Hygiene Requirements set out in Regulation R638.

5. - Do I need to renew my Certificate of Acceptability, and how often?

VIEW ANSWER

Yes, the CoA must be renewed. Franchise businesses typically renew their CoA every two years, while privately owned businesses must renew annually. If you make any major changes to your premises or the type of food handled, you may need to reapply for an updated CoA.

6. - Can I transfer my Certificate of Acceptability to a new owner or premises?

VIEW ANSWER

No, the CoA is non-transferable. If ownership of the business changes or the business relocates, a new application must be submitted to obtain a new CoA. The new owner or the new premises will need to undergo inspection.

7. - What happens if I fail the inspection?

VIEW ANSWER

If your business fails the CoA inspection, you will receive a list of issues that need to be corrected to comply with the regulations. You must address these issues before requesting a re-inspection. Failure to comply within the given timeframe may result in penalties, closure, or revocation of the CoA.

8. - Are there exemptions to the requirement for a Certificate of Acceptability?

VIEW ANSWER

Yes, there are some exemptions. For example, businesses involved in hunting, fishing, or handling unprocessed agricultural products do not require a CoA. Additionally, private residences handling food for personal or charitable purposes without compensation are also exempt.

9. - How much does it cost to obtain or renew a Certificate of Acceptability?

VIEW ANSWER

The cost of applying for or renewing a CoA can vary depending on the local municipality and the type of business. Some municipalities may provide the service for free, while others charge a fee. It is advisable to check with your local authority for specific pricing.

10. - Can my business operate while waiting for the Certificate of Acceptability?

VIEW ANSWER

No, businesses are not allowed to handle food for public consumption without a valid CoA. Operating without this certificate is illegal, and businesses that are caught can be fined, shut down, or face legal consequences. You must obtain your CoA before commencing operations.

1. - What is a Certificate of Acceptability (CoA) and why do I need one?

CLICK TO VIEW ANSWER

The Certificate of Acceptability (CoA) is a permit issued by local health authorities confirming that a food business complies with the hygiene and food safety regulations outlined in Regulation R638. It is required for any business that handles, prepares, or distributes food for human consumption. Without a CoA, operating a food business is illegal in South Africa.

2. - How do I apply for a Certificate of Acceptability (CoA)?

CLICK TO VIEW ANSWER

To apply for a CoA, you must contact your local municipality’s Environmental Health Department. The application typically requires submission of a completed form, floor plans of the premises, proof of identity, and details about the food handling processes. An inspection will then be scheduled to assess compliance with the required standards.

3. - How long does it take to get a Certificate of Acceptability?

CLICK TO VIEW ANSWER

The time it takes to receive your CoA can vary depending on your municipality. Generally, after submitting your application, an inspection is conducted, and if your premises meet all the requirements, the CoA is issued within a few weeks. However, delays may occur if corrections are needed after inspection.

4. - What is included in the inspection process for a CoA?

CLICK TO VIEW ANSWER

During the inspection, a local Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) will evaluate the premises for cleanliness, proper food handling procedures, equipment suitability, waste management, temperature controls, pest control, and staff hygiene. The inspection ensures compliance with the General Hygiene Requirements set out in Regulation R638.

5. - Do I need to renew my Certificate of Acceptability, and how often?

CLICK TO VIEW ANSWER

Yes, the CoA must be renewed. Franchise businesses typically renew their CoA every two years, while privately owned businesses must renew annually. If you make any major changes to your premises or the type of food handled, you may need to reapply for an updated CoA.

6. - Can I transfer my Certificate of Acceptability to a new owner or premises?

CLICK TO VIEW ANSWER

No, the CoA is non-transferable. If ownership of the business changes or the business relocates, a new application must be submitted to obtain a new CoA. The new owner or the new premises will need to undergo inspection.

7. - What happens if I fail the inspection?

CLICK TO VIEW ANSWER

If your business fails the CoA inspection, you will receive a list of issues that need to be corrected to comply with the regulations. You must address these issues before requesting a re-inspection. Failure to comply within the given timeframe may result in penalties, closure, or revocation of the CoA.

8. - Are there exemptions to the requirement for a Certificate of Acceptability?

CLICK TO VIEW ANSWER

Yes, there are some exemptions. For example, businesses involved in hunting, fishing, or handling unprocessed agricultural products do not require a CoA. Additionally, private residences handling food for personal or charitable purposes without compensation are also exempt.

9. - How much does it cost to obtain or renew a Certificate of Acceptability?

CLICK TO VIEW ANSWER

The cost of applying for or renewing a CoA can vary depending on the local municipality and the type of business. Some municipalities may provide the service for free, while others charge a fee. It is advisable to check with your local authority for specific pricing.

10. - Can my business operate while waiting for the Certificate of Acceptability?

CLICK TO VIEW ANSWER

No, businesses are not allowed to handle food for public consumption without a valid CoA. Operating without this certificate is illegal, and businesses that are caught can be fined, shut down, or face legal consequences. You must obtain your CoA before commencing operations.