Starting a food business is a great idea. You can offer your customers traditional South African food, braai meat or kotas the list is endless. However, there are a few laws and regulations that you need to comply with before serving your delicious food. One of those laws is that you need to submit a food licence application.
A food licence is a permit that you receive before you can sell your food. The certificate is issued by your local municipality. Depending on your municipality and what you want to sell, you might need a business license and a zoning permit.
Food licences are especially important because your business needs to comply with health and safety regulations. You don’t want to end up being fined or putting someone else’s life in danger by not complying.
In this article, we look at how to submit your food licence application in South Africa.
Applying For Licences
Business Licence
Before you can begin operating, there are a bunch of licences that you need. According to the Business Act, if you are starting a business with the purpose of selling foodstuff (meals for consumption) you need a business licence. This business licence is applicable whether or not you are selling food on or off the business premises.
Also, if you are selling food and meals using a mobile food truck, you need a trading permit. You can get a trading permit from your local municipality.
Note: Local municipalities are responsible for handling business licences.
Zoning or Rezoning Certification
Applying for a zoning or rezoning certificate depends on the nature of your business and how big your operations will be. Property zoning takes into consideration the nature of your business, the effect it will have on your neighbourhood, the traffic flow and if the location is suitable for your business type.
This process (zoning or rezoning) is handled by the Department of Human Settlements or the housing department within your local municipality. You will also need authorisation from relevant directorates such as public health, infrastructure and engineering, and road and transport amongst others.
If everything is in order, you will get permission from your local municipal council.
Note: Your surrounding neighbours also have a say in your rezoning or zoning application as your business affects their property values.
Certificate of Acceptability
All businesses in South Africa that handle food products, ingredients or meals, need to have a valid certificate of acceptability (COA). The COA indicates to officials and your customers that your establishment meets the necessary requirements for health and hygiene.
Once you have applied for your COA and you have been approved, an environmental health practitioner will inspect your business. After a successful inspection, the COA is issued.
Fire Compliance Certification
All business premises in South Africa must comply with the Fire Protection and Compliance laws. Your fire protection certificate is issued after the building has been erected and follows all regulations.
You have to renew your fire compliance certificate every year. If you don’t renew your certificate, your insurance company may refuse to cover any claim for any fire-related damages that occur in your business.
Gas Installation Certification
You also need a gas certificate of compliance. This certification is issued by a registered gas installer. You need this certification to install any gas products (stoves) in your business premises or mobile food truck.
Note: If you are planning on serving liquor at your food business, you will also need to apply for a liquor license.
What You Need to Apply for Food Licence(s)
Now that you know which licence(s) you need for your food business, we can look at what you need to apply for a licence. As mentioned above, licences are issued by your local municipality so you will need to contact them to find out the specific documents needed.
According to the Johannesburg municipality, when applying for a food licence you will need the following:
You will need to complete an RP1 form. You can download the form or collect it from your local municipality.
A copy of your company’s registration certificate and list of directors (if your company is a close corporation or partnership).
ID copies of all company directors or partners including the ID of any managers.
Copy of your liquor licence (if applicable).
Copy of your food menu.
Copy of your SARS tax certificate.
Copy of approved building layout plan (if applicable).
Your zoning certificate.
These are the documents you will need for your food licence application. Remember, each municipality might have different requirements so check in with your local municipality for their requirements.
December is around the corner, apply for your food licence today so you can be part of the December spending rush and make lots of profit.
For more information on licences and permits for the food industry, read our article.
Starting a food business is a great idea. You can offer your customers traditional South African food, braai meat or kotas the list is endless. However, there are a few Read More
