Unravelling the regulations for dairy and imitation dairy products

Regulation R1510 of 22 November 2019, which governs dairy and imitation dairy products, recently took centre stage during a webinar hosted by the Dairy Standard Agency (DSA). Thabang Rampa, manager of regulatory affairs at the DSA, provided a technical interpretation of key sections of the regulation, aimed at improving industry's understanding of the prescribed minimum compositional and labelling requirements.

- By Christal-Lize Muller

Rampa explained that the regulation's core objective is to outline the classification, packaging, and labelling requirements of dairy and imitation dairy products. These provisions are designed to protect consumers, standardise product composition, and ensure clear, transparent labelling that accurately reflects product types and associated standards.

The regulation is issued under the Agricultural Product Standards Act, 1990 (Act 119 of 1990), administered by the Directorate: Food Safety and Quality Assurance, and enforced by inspectors from the Directorate: Inspection Services. R1510/2019 also aligns with other regulatory frameworks such as the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972), and the Legal Metrology Act, 2014 (Act 9 of 2014).

The regulation sets out requirements for three categories of dairy products, namely primary, composite, and modified dairy products, and governs imitation (nondairy or dairy-free) dairy products.

Modified and imitation products

Rampa explained that, although modified and imitation dairy products may look similar in appearance, presentation and intended use, there is a clear distinction between the two. The key difference lies in the source and proportion of their fat, protein, and carbohydrate content.