South African Department of Agriculture published Government Notice No. 7412 in Government Gazette No. 54557 (RG 11984), introducing new regulations for the classification, packing, and marking of mayonnaise, salad cream, salad dressing, and salad oil dressing sold in South Africa. The regulation entered into force immediately upon publication.
The regulation applies to:Mayonnaise, Reduced-oil mayonnaise, Salad cream, Salad dressing, Salad oil dressing
Major Regulatory Changes
1. New Product Classification Criteria
Products are now classified according to compositional requirements.
Specific oil content thresholds have been established for different categories.
Example: Reduced-oil mayonnaise must contain edible vegetable oil between 22% and 39%.
2. Mandatory Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Labels must now include:
-Product description/name
-Name and address of the food business operator
-Country of origin
-Batch number and traceability information
-Category designation
Example: “X dressing”
Or statements such as “with X seasoning” / “contains X seasoning”
-Declaration of added seasonings
-Type of vegetable oil used
-Vegetable oil content
Other mandatory particulars specified under the regulation
3. Enhanced Traceability Requirements
Mandatory batch identification and traceability details have been introduced to strengthen product monitoring and recalls.
4. Sampling and Analytical Testing Provisions
The regulation establishes official sampling procedures and analytical testing requirements for compliance verification.
Regulatory Impact
The regulation introduces stricter compositional standards and expanded labeling obligations for condiment and dressing manufacturers, importers, and distributors operating in South Africa. Companies marketing mayonnaise and dressing products will need to review formulations, labeling layouts, and traceability systems to ensure compliance.
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