South African regulatory framework governing the transportation of perishable foodstuffs, established under Regulation R638 of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act. R638 certification requires specific vehicle equipment, temperature monitoring systems, hygiene standards, and operational procedures to ensure food safety throughout transport. Compliance involves regular vehicle inspections, driver training, temperature logging, and documented standard operating procedures. Non-compliance can result in fines, product seizures, and business closure. For frozen food couriers, R638 certification is mandatory and represents a significant barrier to entry, protecting established operators while ensuring consumer safety. The Frozen Food Courier exceeds R638 minimum requirements by implementing complementary standards including SANS 10156:2014 for technical specifications, ISO/TS 22002-5 for international best practices, and SANS 10049-2019 for prerequisite programmes. This multi-standard approach ensures compliance extends beyond regulatory minimums to encompass international cold chain best practices.
Related Terms: HACCP (Cold Chain), Cold Chain Monitoring, Food Safety Temperature, SANS 10156:2014, ISO/TS 22002-5
Related Articles: How The Frozen Food Courier Exceeds R638 ISO Cold Chain Compliance Standards, Maintaining the Cold Chain