New South African Food Labelling Laws

To empower consumers and promote healthier choices, South Africa has introduced new food labelling regulations aimed at improving transparency and public health. These updated rules, set by the Department of Health, require all packaged foods to be clearly and accurately labelled with detailed nutritional and ingredient information. This marks a significant step in tackling lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

What Do the New Food Labelling Laws Require?

The updated legislation—expected to be fully enforced after a public commentary and transition period—includes the following key changes:

1. Front-of-Pack Warning Labels

• Products high in sugar, salt, saturated fats, or non-nutritive sweeteners will need to display clear warning icons on the front of the packaging.
• For example, a soft drink high in sugar will need a front label saying, “High in Sugar”.

2. No False Health Claims

• Food producers can no longer make misleading health or nutrition claims such as “low fat” or “sugar-free” unless they meet strict criteria.
• Claims like “immune boosting” or “supports weight loss” are prohibited without scientific backing.

3. Mandatory Nutritional Table

• All food packaging must include a nutritional information table listing:

a. Energy (kilojoules or kcal)

b. Total fat, saturated fat, trans fats

c. Carbohydrates, sugars

d .Fiber, protein, salt/sodium

4. Allergen Declarations

• Labels must clearly declare common allergens such as gluten, nuts, dairy, eggs, soy, and shellfish.
• These allergens must be highlighted in bold or a different font within the ingredients list.

5. Clear Ingredient Listings

• Ingredients must be listed in order of quantity, from highest to lowest.
• Additives and preservatives must be named, not just coded (e.g. “Sodium Benzoate” rather than “E211”).

Why This Matters: Health in South Africa

South Africa has seen rising rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. These conditions are often linked to poor diet and unawareness of the nutritional quality of processed foods. Clear labelling helps individuals:

• Make informed dietary decisions
• Avoid allergens
• Reduce intake of added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats
• Choose products with real nutritional value

How to Read a Food Label Like a Pro

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your family, here’s how to use the new food labels effectively:

1. Start With the Serving Size

• Check the portion the information is based on—many labels use small serving sizes to make numbers seem lower.

2. Check Calories (kJ/kcal)

• Calories per serving help you assess how much energy the food provides. For weight management, balance your total daily intake.

3. Watch Out for Sugar

• Added sugars increase your risk of diabetes and weight gain. Look for less than 5g of sugar per 100g in low-sugar foods.

4. Sodium (Salt)

• High sodium contributes to high blood pressure. Aim for products with less than 120mg of sodium per 100g.

5. Fat & Saturated Fat

• Limit saturated fats and trans fats. Choose items with less than 1.5g of saturated fat per 100g for healthier options.

6. Fiber is Your Friend

• High-fiber foods improve digestion and help control blood sugar. Look for at least 3g of fiber per 100g.

7. Ingredients List

• The fewer ingredients (especially unrecognizable ones), the better. Ingredients are listed by quantity, so the first few items matter most.

Smart Tips for Shopping Under the New Laws

• Choose whole foods with fewer ingredients and less processing.
• Avoid flashy packaging that markets “healthy” claims—read the actual nutrition table.
• Teach children and teens how to read food labels for long-term health habits.

Final Thoughts

These new regulations are a big win for South African consumers. By making food labels easier to understand and more honest, the government is helping people take control of their nutrition and well-being. As consumers, we now have more power than ever to demand transparency and make healthier choices every day.