Food Safety Training South Africa 2026 -The Complete R638, COA & HACCP Guide

by
ASCFOODSAFETY

Last Updated: April 2026 | Reading Time: 15 minutes | Author: Mthokozisi Nkosi, Food Scientist & Lead Auditor, ASC Food Safety Training

South Africa’s food safety enforcement landscape changed fundamentally when Regulation R638 – the Regulations Governing General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises, the Transport of Food and Related Matters – replaced Regulation R962 in June 2018. Municipalities across all nine provinces are now actively enforcing the regulation’s training and certification requirements. ASC Food Safety Consultants (previously ASC Consultants) is one of the few organizations that offer accredited training that meets Regulation R638 of 2018 requirements for application for a Certificate of Acceptability.

Quick links: R638 Persons in Charge Course · HACCP Training · Advanced HACCP · Contact Us

Introduction: Why Food Safety Compliance Matters More Than Ever

In March 2025, the City of Tshwane closed Boxer Superstore in Atteridgeville and issued fines to Burger King for operating without valid Certificates of Acceptability (COA). This enforcement trend is real, it is accelerating, and it affects every food business in South Africa – from Sandton restaurants and Cape Town wine estates to Gqeberha automotive caterers and spaza shops in Soweto.

This guide explains what the law requires, which training is accepted by which municipalities, and how to choose the right course for your situation. It is written by Mthokozisi Nkosi, a Food Scientist and registered Lead Auditor (Exemplar Global & IRCA), SAATCA Regulation R638:2018 Lead Implementer with over 10 years of food safety implementation experience across Southern Africa.

Part 1: Understanding Regulation R638 – What the Law Actually Requires

What is Regulation R638?

Regulation R638 of 22 June 2018 was promulgated under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972 and published in Government Gazette No. 41730. It is the primary national hygiene standard governing all South African food premises.

The regulation sets minimum requirements for:

  • Structural and hygiene standards of food premises
  • Personal hygiene and health of food handlers
  • Temperature control and safe food storage
  • Pest control and waste management
  • Training of the person in charge and food handlers
  • Transport of food

The Key Training Requirement: Section 10(1)(a)

Section 10(1)(a) of R638 states that the person in charge of any food premises must have completed accredited food safety training. This requirement is non-negotiable and applies across all municipalities in South Africa, regardless of business size or type.

Section 10(1)(b) requires that food handlers receive basic food hygiene training from a registered provider.

Who is a “Person in Charge”?

The person in charge is the individual responsible for the daily food safety operations of a premises – typically the owner, manager, or supervisor. Their name appears on the Certificate of Acceptability. A single premises may have only one person in charge listed on the COA.

What is a Certificate of Acceptability (COA)?

A Certificate of Acceptability is the legal permit issued to food premises by the local municipality’s Environmental Health Department. It confirms that the premises comply with R638 hygiene requirements. Without a valid COA:

  • You cannot legally operate a food business in South Africa
  • You cannot obtain or renew a trading licence
  • Your business is at risk of closure and fines

A COA is issued to a specific person at a specific premises. It is not transferable if ownership changes or if the person in charge changes. It does not carry an expiry date, but municipalities may require re-inspection when material changes are made to premises or operations.

Part 2: Who Needs Food Safety Training in South Africa?

If your business handles, prepares, stores, serves or sells food to the public, Regulation R638 applies to you. This includes:

  • Restaurant and café owners and managers
  • Catering companies (events, corporate, institutional, healthcare)
  • Food manufacturers and processors (FMCG, beverages, baked goods)
  • Retail food operations (supermarkets, butcheries, delis)
  • Spaza shops and informal food traders
  • Bakeries and confectioneries
  • Food distributors and cold chain operators
  • Healthcare facility kitchens (hospitals, old age homes, schools)
  • Agricultural packhouses and processing facilities
  • Food trucks and mobile food vendors

The person in charge of any of the above must hold an SAATCA- or HPCSA-accredited food safety certificate before a COA application can be approved.

Part 3: Types of Food Safety Training Available

Level 1 – Basic Food Safety Training for Food Handlers

Who needs this: All food handlers, kitchen staff, and cleaners of food-handling premises.

Our foundational accredited course, Basic Food Safety Practices for Food Handlers, offers practical, easy-to-understand training for all food handlers, emphasising essential hygiene and food safety practices necessary in food preparation, service, and retail environments. It helps businesses meet their legal obligation under Regulation R638, particularly Regulation 10(1)(b), by ensuring staff are adequately trained in basic food safety practices.

This course is designed for maximum flexibility to learn at your own pace, access essential resources like the Learner Guide, and receive your certification instantly upon successful completion. This level covers personal hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, temperature control, cleaning and sanitisation, and basic food microbiology. It satisfies the requirements of Regulation 10(1)(b).

Duration: 4–8 hours (self-paced online)
Accreditation: HPCSA

Level 2 -R638 Food Safety Training for Persons in Charge (SAATCA & HPCSA Accredited)

Who needs this: Business owners, managers, supervisors – anyone whose name will appear on a COA.

The Food Safety Practices for Persons in Charge Course offered by ASC Food Safety Training is an HPCSA-accredited online programme that fully complies with Regulation 10(1)(a) of R638. It is accepted by all South African municipalities for COA applications.

What the course covers:

  • Module 1 — Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs): Facility design and hygiene, equipment maintenance, pest control, waste management, operational hygiene controls
  • Module 2 — Personal Hygiene, Health & Presentation: Employee health monitoring, protective clothing, hand-washing protocols
  • Module 3 — Personal Safety in Food Environments: Chemical handling, emergency procedures, workplace safety
  • Module 4 — South African Food Safety Legislation: R638 in full, the Foodstuffs Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972, Municipal by-laws
  • Module 5 — International Standards Overview: ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, BRCGS, GFSI, Codex Alimentarius
  • Module 6 — HACCP Principles: Hazard analysis, Critical Control Points, monitoring, corrective actions, verification
  • Module 7 — Food Microbiology Fundamentals: Bacterial pathogens, foodborne illness, growth factors, control measures

Course format: Self-paced online – complete from anywhere in South Africa on any device
Pass mark: 70% (3 attempts permitted per knowledge test)
Certificate: QR-coded, immediately downloadable on successful completion – ready for COA submission
Access: Learner guide and copy of Regulation R638 included

Enrol in the R638 Persons in Charge Course →

Level 3 – HACCP Training for Supervisors and HACCP Teams

Who needs this: Food safety supervisors, HACCP team members, quality controllers, and anyone formally involved in HACCP plan development or review.

The HACCP for Supervisors and HACCP Teams Course provides a structured grounding in the Codex Alimentarius HACCP system and its practical application in South African food businesses.

What the course covers:

  • The seven HACCP principles and twelve implementation steps
  • Hazard analysis – biological, chemical (including allergens and mycotoxins), physical
  • Establishing Critical Control Points (CCPs) and Critical Limits
  • Monitoring system design, corrective action planning
  • HACCP documentation and record-keeping
  • Verification and validation procedures

Enrol in the HACCP Supervisors & Teams Course →

Level 4 – Advanced HACCP System Implementation

Who needs this: Food safety managers, quality assurance managers, compliance officers, and consultants implementing HACCP systems for certification purposes.

The Advanced HACCP System Implementation Course is an HPCSA-accredited programme for experienced practitioners. Instructor: Mthokozisi Nkosi, Food Safety Specialist and Registered Lead Auditor.

What the course covers:

  • In-depth chemical hazards: mycotoxins, allergens, cleaning chemical carry-over, natural toxins
  • Advanced biological hazards: biofilm formation, microbial growth kinetics
  • Physical hazard control: metal detection, X-ray inspection, visual inspection systems
  • Microorganism identification, foodborne illness investigation
  • HACCP plan development, validation, and critical limits determination
  • Monitoring system design for high-care and high-risk environments

Duration: 20–25 hours (self-paced)
Accreditation: HPCSA

Enrol in the Advanced HACCP Course →

Level 5 – International Food Safety Management System Certification

For food businesses seeking certification to global standards -for export, retailer supply chain requirements, or operational excellence – ASC Food Safety Training also offers implementation courses for:

All courses are taught by Mthokozisi Nkosi, who has guided multiple South African companies through first-time certification to these standards.

Part 4: SAATCA vs HPCSA Accreditation – What’s the Difference

When selecting food safety training in South Africa, accreditation is the single most important factor for COA applications.

SAATCA (South African Association for Training and Certification Authorities) is specifically designed for food safety training providers and is explicitly recognised by all South African municipalities as satisfying R638 training requirements. If your municipality requires proof of training for a COA application, SAATCA-accredited training is the standard most Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) look for. Mthokozisi Nkosi is one of the three SAATCA Lead Implementers in the whole of South Africa, see link to SAATCA https://saatca.co.za/registered-implementers/

HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa) provides broader health and safety training accreditation. HPCSA-accredited food safety training is also accepted by South African municipalities for R638 compliance purposes, and adds professional development credibility, particularly in healthcare and pharmaceutical environments.

ASC Food Safety Training’s Persons in Charge course is HPCSA-accredited and is accepted by all South African municipalities for COA applications. Before enrolling with any provider, confirm their accreditation status directly with your municipality’s Environmental Health Department.

Part 5: City-Specific Food Safety Training and COA Guides

Cape Town – City of Cape Town

The City of Cape Town Environmental Health Department processes COA applications online via the City of Cape Town e-Services Portal. Since 1 July 2024, all new and renewal COA applications can be submitted digitally.

To apply for a COA in Cape Town:

  1. Register as a Business Partner on the City’s e-Services portal
  2. Complete the Certificate of Acceptability application form online
  3. Upload supporting documents including your HPCSA/SAATCA food safety certificate
  4. Await inspection by a City of Cape Town Environmental Health Practitioner
  5. COA is issued if premises are found compliant

General enquiries: City of Cape Town Technical Operations Centre – 0860 103 089

Industries served from ASC Food Safety Training’s Cape Town office:

  • V&A Waterfront restaurants and hospitality venues
  • Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek wine estates (R638 + HACCP + GlobalG.A.P.)
  • Ceres and Worcester fruit packhouses (R638 + BRCGS or FSSC 22000 for export)
  • Cape Winelands tourism accommodation
  • Seafood processors (Cape Town Harbour and surrounds)

Johannesburg – City of Johannesburg

Contact the City of Johannesburg Health and Social Development Department to apply for a COA in Johannesburg and surrounding areas (Sandton, Randburg, Roodepoort, Soweto, Midrand).

Environmental Health Practitioners in the City of Johannesburg accept HPCSA-accredited training certificates as proof of compliance with R638 Section 10(1)(a). COA applications are processed at the relevant regional Environmental Health office for the area where the premises are located.

Industries served from ASC Food Safety Training’s Gauteng office (Ferndale, Randburg):

  • Corporate catering in Sandton and Midrand business districts
  • Fast food and quick-service restaurants across greater Johannesburg
  • Food manufacturing in Elandsfontein, Alrode and Isando industrial areas
  • Event catering for Johannesburg convention centres
  • Healthcare and retirement facility kitchens

Pretoria – City of Tshwane

The City of Tshwane Environmental Health Services is actively enforcing COA requirements across Pretoria, Centurion, Soshangwe, and surrounding areas. As detailed in a 2024 enforcement announcement, the Municipal Health Services (MHS) Section requires a one-time inspection fee of R2 152.00, and applicants must produce proof of accredited food safety training.

Tshwane MHS offices are open Monday–Friday, 07:30–16:00. Enquiries: ehonestop@tshwane.gov.za

Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) – Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Environmental Health Services handles COA applications for Gqeberha, Uitenhage, and Despatch. The municipality’s COA conditions document is available on their official website, and the COA application form can be downloaded directly. Environmental Health Services contact: 041 506 5400 / 5413 OR email your application at publichealth@mandelametro.gov.za. Application forms can also be submitted on the 14th floor at Brister House.

ASC Food Safety Training is headquartered in Gqeberha and has served Eastern Cape food businesses for over 10 years. The head office team is available to assist local businesses with training, COA preparation, and ongoing food safety consulting.

Industries served:

  • Automotive sector employee catering (major manufacturing plants in Uitenhage and surrounding areas)
  • Hospitality and tourism (Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park area)
  • Citrus packhouses and agricultural processors
  • Informal food traders seeking regulatory compliance

Durban – eThekwini Municipality

The eThekwini Municipality’s Community Health Department processes COA applications for Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Pinetown, and surrounding areas. The municipality’s COA application form is available on the eThekwini website.

KwaZulu-Natal businesses should note that eThekwini has published updated Food, Milk and Milk Products By-laws (2022), which should be read alongside R638.

Other Provinces

All South African municipalities — from Ekurhuleni (East Rand) and Buffalo City (East London) to Mangaung (Bloemfontein), Polokwane, Nelspruit, and Kimberley – require SAATCA- or HPCSA-accredited food safety training as part of the COA application process. ASC Food Safety Training’s fully online courses are accessible from anywhere in South Africa with an internet connection, eliminating travel costs for businesses in rural or semi-rural areas.

Part 6: How to Apply for a Certificate of Acceptability -Step by Step

This process applies nationally, with minor variations by municipality. Always confirm the specific requirements with your local Environmental Health Department.

Step 1: Download and study Regulation R638
Access the official R638 PDF from the Department of Health. Understanding the regulation helps you identify any structural or operational changes needed before inspection.

Step 2: Complete accredited food safety training
The person in charge must complete an SAATCA- or HPCSA-accredited food safety course. Enrol in ASC’s R638 Persons in Charge Course — your QR-coded certificate is available immediately on completion.

Step 3: Prepare your premises and documentation
Typical supporting documents include: certified copy of the ID of the person in charge, food safety training certificate, premises floor plan (drawn to scale 1:50), company or close corporation registration documents, zoning certificate or proof of zoning, and fire clearance certificate (where applicable).

Step 4: Contact your local Environmental Health Department
Obtain the correct COA application form from your municipality. Contact details for the main metros are provided in Part 5 above.

Step 5: Submit your application and pay the inspection fee
Submit the completed form and supporting documents to your municipal Environmental Health Department. Fees vary by municipality — Tshwane charges R2 152.00 for the initial inspection; some municipalities charge no fee.

Step 6: Undergo the premises inspection
An Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) will inspect your premises. If your premises comply with R638 requirements, the COA will be issued.

Step 7: Display your COA
Once issued, the COA must be displayed in a prominent, publicly visible location at your food premises. If you transport prepacked food, each vehicle must carry a certified copy.

Part 7: How Online Food Safety Training Works

ASC Food Safety Training’s courses are delivered through a dedicated online learning management system. Here is what to expect:

Enrolment: Visit ascfoodsafetytraining.com, select your course, and complete secure payment via EFT, credit/debit card, SnapScan, or other major South African payment methods.

Learning: Your login credentials are sent immediately upon payment confirmation. Courses include video lessons, text-based scripts for each lesson with supplementary information, downloadable learner guides, and your copy of Regulation R638.

Assessment: Knowledge tests at the end of each module (70% pass mark, 3 attempts per test) and a final assessment.

Certificate: A QR-coded Certificate of Achievement is available for immediate download upon successful completion. This certificate is accepted by South African municipalities for COA applications.

Access: Courses are available 24/7 on any device; desktop, tablet, or smartphone from anywhere with internet access.

Part 8: About ASC Food Safety Training

ASC Food Safety Training (trading under ASC Consultants) is a specialist food safety training and consultancy firm headquartered in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), with offices in Gauteng and Cape Town. The company was founded by Mthokozisi Nkosi, a Food Scientist and registered Lead Auditor with over 10 years of experience implementing Food Safety Management Systems across South Africa.

Mthokozisi Nkosi – qualifications and registrations:

  • BSc (Agriculture) Hons, Food Science and Technology
  • Master of Public Health (MPH)
  • MBA (Business Administration)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration
  • Registered Lead Auditor – Exemplar Global & IRCA
  • FOODBEV SETA Registered Assessor (Registration No. F01/585/ASR00067)
  • Registered GLOBALG.A.P. Trainer (internationally recognised)
  • Professional Member, South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST)

ASC Food Safety Training has trained more than 3,374 students via its online platform and has successfully guided more than 50 South African companies through food safety system implementation – from Cape Town wine estates to Johannesburg confectioneries and Gqeberha automotive suppliers.

Part 9: What Our Students Say

“Mr Nkosi has excellent knowledge and has, with great patience, carried over said knowledge to his students. I felt at ease and questions were encouraged throughout the course. Our company also made use of ASC Consultants for our internal audits – the auditors were qualified and didn’t hesitate to give a clear reflection of where our weaknesses and strengths lay.”
– ISO 22000 course student, via ASC Consultants website

Read more student reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Part 10: Frequently Asked Questions

Is online food safety training accepted for COA applications in South Africa?

Yes. South African municipalities accept accredited online food safety training certificates for COA applications, provided the training provider holds SAATCA or HPCSA accreditation. What matters is the accreditation of the provider, not whether the course is delivered online or in a classroom.

Is food safety training compulsory in South Africa?

Yes. Section 10(1)(a) of Regulation R638 makes accredited food safety training compulsory for every person in charge of food premises in South Africa. Without it, a municipality will not issue a Certificate of Acceptability.

How long does R638 training take?

ASC Food Safety Training’s self-paced R638 Persons in Charge course takes approximately 12–16 hours of total learning time. Most students complete the course within 1–2 weeks, studying around their existing work schedule.

How long is a food safety certificate valid?

A COA does not carry a statutory expiry date under R638. However, you are legally required to notify your local authority within 30 days if the person in charge changes, if the premises undergo significant renovation, or if you relocate. Some municipalities may require periodic re-inspection. Certificates from ASC Food Safety Training include lifetime access to course materials for refreshing your knowledge at any time.

What is the pass mark for the ASC R638 course?

70% for all module knowledge tests and the final assessment. Each test allows 3 attempts.

Do food handlers need different training from the person in charge?

Yes. The person in charge requires SAATCA- or HPCSA-accredited training (Level 2 or above) to satisfy Regulation 10(1)(a). Food handlers who do not hold key positions require basic hygiene awareness training under Regulation 10(1)(b). ASC Food Safety Training offers separate accredited courses for both groups.

How much does food safety training cost in South Africa?

Basic food safety training for food handlers typically ranges from R400 to R800. The ASC Food Safety Training R638 Persons in Charge course is priced at R879 (check the course page for current pricing). Advanced HACCP implementation courses are priced at R2,730. All ASC courses include lifetime access to materials.

What happens if I operate a food business without a COA?

Operating without a valid COA is illegal under Regulation R638. Your local municipality’s Environmental Health Practitioners have the authority to issue fines, issue closure orders, and prosecute non-compliant businesses. As recently as 2025, major food retailers in Tshwane were closed by the municipality for failing to maintain valid COAs.

Can I enrol multiple staff members on the same course?

Yes. ASC Food Safety Training offers corporate group enrolments and bulk pricing. Contact the relevant office for a quote.

What devices can I use to complete the course?

Any internet-connected device works – desktop or laptop computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux), tablet (iPad or Android), or smartphone. Video lessons can be downloaded for offline viewing for learners in areas with limited connectivity.

Part 11: Emerging Trends in South African Food Safety (2026)

Intensified municipal enforcement. The Tshwane and Johannesburg enforcement operations of 2024–2025 signal a national shift towards active prosecution of non-compliant food businesses. Compliance is no longer a formality – it is a business continuity requirement.

Growing demand for FSSC 22000 and BRCGS certification. South African food manufacturers are increasingly pursuing GFSI-benchmarked certification to access export markets and major retail supply chains. ASC Food Safety Training’s implementation courses for FSSC 22000, BRCGS, and GlobalG.A.P. have seen increased enrolments as a result.

Food safety culture as a management priority. International standards including FSSC 22000 now explicitly require organisations to demonstrate a measurable food safety culture. ASC’s Food Safety and Quality Culture Course addresses this requirement for management teams and supervisors.

Digital food safety management systems. Paper-based HACCP records are increasingly being replaced by digital platforms that allow real-time monitoring, traceability, and audit readiness. Advanced HACCP training provides the conceptual foundation for transitioning to these platforms.

Read more how to start a food business in South Africa on this link https://ascfoodsafety.com/how-to-start-a-food-business-in-south-africa/ . You can also watch the video on the 7 steps to start a food business here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-D6O_17lzQ

Contact ASC Food Safety Training

Our team is available to assist with training enrolment, COA preparation, consulting services, and corporate group training programmes.

Eastern Cape (Head Office)

14 Brickmakers Kloof Road, South End, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa, 6001
Tel: +27 041 004 0382
Mobile: +27 061 483 0381
View on Google Maps

Gauteng Office

Atrium Terraces, 272 Oak Avenue, Ferndale, Randburg, 2194
Tel: +27 010 500 4661
Mobile: +27 061 483 0381
View on Google Maps

Western Cape Office

183 Albion Springs, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700
Tel: +27 021 300 4024
Mobile: +27 061 483 0381
View on Google Maps

Online

Website: ascfoodsafetytraining.com
Google Reviews: Read student reviews

Start Your Food Safety Training Today

Whether you need to comply with R638 for a new COA application, refresh your certification, or implement an advanced food safety management system for export certification, ASC Food Safety Training has an accredited course for your level and your industry.

About the Author

Mthokozisi Nkosi is a Food Safety, Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), and Public Health specialist with over 10 years of experience implementing food safety systems across South Africa. As the founder of ASC Food Safety Training (trading as ASC Food Safety, previously ASC Consultants), he has trained more than 3,374 students online and has guided more than 50 companies through food safety system implementation, including international certifications to FSSC 22000, BRCGS, ISO 22000, and GlobalG.A.P.

He holds a BSc (Agric) Hons in Food Science, a Master of Public Health (MPH), an MBA, and BCom (Hons) in International Supply Chain Management. He is a registered Lead Auditor (Exemplar Global & IRCA), FOODBEV SETA Registered Assessor (F01/585/ASR00067), GLOBALG.A.P. Registered Trainer, and Professional Member of SAAFoST (South African Association for Food Science and Technology). Here is his Linkedin profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/mthokozisi-nkosi-0738a0a7/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Aprofile_common_profile_index%3B5ab6e268-037e-4c9f-b455-792ac0dc0970, interviews with Daily Maverick https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/bianca-taylor-and-mthokozisi-nkosi/, https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/mthokozisi-nkosi/, SABC News interview ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojG-1S437U8,

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. Food safety regulations and municipal requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with your local Environmental Health Department. Regulation R638 is available from the Department of Health

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