MISSION
The mission of the Subdirectorate Agric Product Quality Assurance is to standardise quality norms for agricultural and related products by establishing the criteria for such norms and distributing the information to all interested parties. These criteria may include the quality, packaging, marking and labelling as well as the chemical composition and microbiological contaminants of the products. These norms are validated by publication in the Government Gazette under the Agricultural Product Standards Act, 1990 (Act No. 119 of 1990). The norms are based on the specific needs of the South African market and are usually harmonised with international standards.
STANDARDISATION
Standardisation is an objective approach towards
establishing effective and practical quality norms. The advantages of standardisation are that product classification
and/or grading encourages consumer confidence and brings about greater market
transparency. The trade is able to
purchase specified quality products over time and distance, which eliminates
the need for the inspection of each lot or consignment. Similarly, the consumer can expect a product
of consistent quality when purchasing a specific grade or class. In this way a situation is created on local
markets where South African products can compete on an equal footing with
overseas products and can also be marketed more competitively. It is important
to note that imported products must conform to the same standards as those set
for locally produced products.
AIM OF THE REGULATIONS
The aim of the regulations administered by this
Subdirectorate is thus to, through correctly applied quality standards, provide
the consumer with products of consistent quality. The criteria used depend on the type of product. The colour of an apple, the purity of a fruit
juice, the composition of cheese, the ingredients of a canned product and the
fat content of a carcass are just a few examples of the quality factors. Classification and grading may be based on a
number of measurable factors which are considered together.
Prescribed marking requirements in the regulations are
used to provide the consumer with accurate and relevant information on a
product, so as to allow an informed and personal choice to be made. For example, less obvious characteristics
are described by the use of specific terms, e.g. full-fat yoghurt vs. low-fat
yoghurt, class A meat (tender) vs. class B or C meat (less tender), pure orange
juice (min. 90% juice) vs. orange nectar (min. 50% juice), orange drink (min.
6% juice) or flavoured orange drink (less than 6% juice) and real vinegar vs. imitation vinegar (acetic acid).
The Directorate carries out its own inspections
but may on occasion appoint assignees to undertake inspections at the point of
sale, manufacture, packing or export to ensure that the set standards and
requirements are maintained and that the benefits of classification, grading
and marking reach the consumer. Where assignees are appointed the Directorate
carries out audit inspections to verify that the set standards are applied
correctly. The following assignees are currently appointed:
The Perishable Products Export
Control Board
(for all agricultural products intended for export)
South
African Meat Industry Company
(for meat carcasses intended for sale on the local market)
PROKON
(for potatoes intended for sale on the local market)
Samples taken during inspection may
also be send for analysis. Routine analysis of various agricultural products
helps to determine the composition, microbiological contamination and pesticide
residue levels in food products. Chemical residue analyses and the detection of
harmful organisms are of particular importance for products marketed
internationally.