Understand Regulation R638 | SME South Africa

If you’re passionate about food and how to venture into that industry for your business, you must be well-informed on Regulation R638.

This regulation exists to ensure there are hygiene requirements for the handling of food in South Africa. Understanding and complying with R638 is essential not only for staying on the right side of the law but also for ensuring your customers’ safety and earning their trust.

In this article, we break down what R638 means, who it applies to, and how you can make sure your food business is fully compliant.

What is Regulation R638?

Regulation R638 falls under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Act 54 of 1972). It replaced the older R962 and came into effect in 2018. The regulation sets the minimum hygiene and operational standards for any business that handles food intended for sale to the public.

Who Needs to Comply with R638?

You might assume this regulation only applies to big food manufacturers or chain restaurants, but that’s not the case. Food safety and compliance is an important factor that must be considered for any business dealing with food.

R638 applies to:

• Restaurants and cafes
• Home-based food businesses
• Mobile kitchens, food trucks, and street food vendors
• Caterers and event food vendors
• Bakeries, delis, and confectioners

Even if you’re just running a side hustle from your home kitchen, you are required to comply with R638 if you’re selling food to the public. Put simply, if your business prepares, handles, stores, transports, or sells food, R638 likely applies to you.

Breaking Down R638: What Are the Key Requirements?

If you need guidance on food compliance in South Africa, here’s a simplified look at what R638 requires food businesses to do:

1. Register Your Food Premises

All food premises must be formally registered with the local authority, and this applies even to home-based food operations. You’ll need approval before trading.

2. Maintain Clean, Hygienic Conditions

Your premises must be clean and designed to prevent contamination. That includes proper ventilation, smooth floors and walls, cleanable surfaces, and adequate lighting.

3. Safe Water Supply

You must use clean water to clean your place of business, as well as prepare food. If you’re using borehole water, you may need regular testing.

4. Pest Control

Your premises must be free from pests. This means you must keep your place clean and have routine checks for pest control.

5. Protective Clothing

Food handlers must wear protective gear. This includes aprons, gloves, and hairnets to prevent contamination of food.

6. Training for Food Handlers

Training for food safety and hygiene must be given to anyone handling food.

7. Proper Waste Management

You must dispose of food waste and general refuse in a hygienic and environmentally friendly manner.

Step-by-Step: How to Ensure Your Business is R638 Compliant

Here’s how to start the compliance process:

Contact Your Local Municipality: Ask for the application forms for food premises registration and inspection.

Prepare Your Premises: Make sure your kitchen or operating space meets hygiene and layout standards.

Train Your Staff: Provide food safety and hygiene training to all food handlers. You and your team can take a course on R638 regulations.

Schedule an Inspection: The local environmental health practitioner (EHP) will inspect your premises. If approved, you’ll receive a certificate of acceptability.

Maintain Records: Keep documents of training, pest control, cleaning schedules, and water testing (if applicable).

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Many new entrepreneurs fall short on compliance because of the following mistakes:

Skipping registration: Starting a food business without registering your premises can lead to penalties or being shut down.

Inadequate kitchen hygiene: Dirty surfaces, poor waste disposal, or no cleaning schedule are major red flags.

No protective clothing: Staff without aprons or hairnets? That’s a fast way to fail an inspection.

No pest control: One sighting of a cockroach could get you flagged or fined.

Support and Resources for Food Entrepreneurs

Don’t be intimidated by the process because there are resources to help:

Local Municipal Health Departments: These are your go-to for inspections, advice, and certification.

Training Providers: Many offer short food safety courses for staff at affordable rates.

Online Guides and Checklists: Several government and private platforms provide downloadable compliance checklists.

Protect Your Reputation With R638

Complying with Regulation R638 is beyond avoiding legal repercussions, it’s about building a reliable and professional business. In the age of social media and online reviews, a single hygiene complaint or viral video can damage your reputation.

By following R638, you’re showing customers you care about their health and safety, and that you’re serious about running a top-tier food business.