Food Safety & Quality

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The South African groundnut industry is committed to the highest standards of food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. All groundnut processors — including shelling, sorting and grading facilities as well as peanut butter manufacturers — are legally required to implement HACCP-based food safety systems in terms of Regulations R908 and R1060 of 13 November 2009. Compliance with these regulations is a statutory minimum, ensuring the safe production and handling of groundnuts for local and international markets.

Beyond statutory requirements, many industry participants maintain additional certifications, including ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, and other buyer-specific standards, to meet global quality expectations. These certifications demonstrate adherence to best practices in hygiene, traceability, operational control, and continuous improvement.

The SAGA Certification Register has been created to increase transparency and awareness of the certifications held by participating entities. It serves as a resource for buyers, regulators, and the public, while also encouraging broader industry participation and compliance. Members of the South African Groundnut Forum and SAGA remain fully committed to food safety, regulatory adherence, and continuous improvement across the value chain.

For concerns about non-compliance, stakeholders are invited to report confidentially via the SAGA website or directly by email.