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Get Your Food Safety Certificate (COA)
Ensure your food business meets South African regulations with our quick, hassle-free compliance support.
Apply for Your Food Safety Certificate (COA) NowPrevious Works
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What is a Food Safety Certificate?
In South Africa, what is commonly referred to as a Food Safety Certificate is officially and legally known as a Certificate of Acceptability (COA). It is a mandatory legal requirement for any business that prepares, handles, packs, stores, processes, or sells food.
This certificate is issued by your local municipality's Environmental Health Department and confirms that your premises comply with the Regulation R638 (governing hygiene standards) under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act. Without this document, you cannot legally operate your food business.
Who Needs It?
- Restaurants & Cafes
- Food Trucks & Mobile Kitchens
- Catering Companies & Home Bakers
- Supermarkets & Spaza Shops
- Food Storage & Distribution Warehouses
How We Help You Get Certified
We streamline the entire application and inspection process, minimizing delays and ensuring your premises are fully compliant.
Consultation & Audit
We audit your facility against Regulation R638 standards and advise you on what needs to be fixed before the inspection.
Application Filing
We assemble the complete file—including floor plans, menus, and certificates—and submit it to the local municipality.
Inspection & Issuing
We guide you through the municipal health inspection, resolving any queries until your certificate is issued.
Basic Requirements for the Certificate
Structural Hygiene
Walls, floors, and ceilings must be constructed of smooth, easy-to-clean, non-absorbent materials.
Facilities & Water
Premises must have handwash basins with hot and cold running water, soap, and clean drying facilities.
Pest & Waste Management
Strict plans must be implemented to keep pests away and store and dispose of waste hygienically.
Food Handler Training
Under R638, the person in charge must be suitably trained, and staff must be trained in hygiene practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all food businesses need a Food Safety Certificate?
In South Africa, yes. Any business preparing, handling, distributing, storing, or selling food must hold a Certificate of Acceptability (COA). Operating without one is a criminal offense under Regulation R638.
What is the difference between a Food Safety Certificate and a COA?
They are exactly the same thing. "Food Safety Certificate" is the layman's term used by business owners and the public, while **Certificate of Acceptability (COA)** is the official legal term used in South African municipal legislation.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Municipal fees vary by region. Our pricing starts from R2,950 for informal businesses. The timeline depends heavily on the local municipality's processing times and the scheduling of the physical health inspection. Typically, the process takes a few weeks, which we work to expedite.
What happens if my premises fail the health inspection?
If the Environmental Health Practitioner identifies compliance gaps during the inspection, they will issue a report outlining corrections. We help you understand the audit findings, implement the required changes quickly, and schedule a successful re-inspection.
Your Compliance Needs
Choose from our range of flexible pricing options that cater to your specific needs.
Food Safety Certificate (COA)
A permit issued in South Africa to food businesses that meet health and safety regulations.
- ✓ Hassle free process
- ✓ Certificate delivered to you
- ✓ Simple/clear costs
Business Trading License
Required by law for certain businesses, including food service operations, to operate from your local municipality.
- ✓ Hassle free process
- ✓ License delivered to you
- ✓ Simple/clear costs
Liquor License Application
A permit for businesses to sell, manufacture, store, or otherwise use alcoholic beverages.
- ✓ Hassle free process
- ✓ License delivered to you
- ✓ Simple/clear costs