South Africa Imposes Mycotoxin Limits on Key Foodstuffs

South Africa has enacted strict mycotoxin limits across a broad range of food products, including cereals, dairy, fruits, and beverages, to safeguard public health and ensure food safety ^{1, 2}.

SOUTH AFRICA – FOOD SAFETY

South Africa Sets New Mycotoxin Limits for Food

Strict limits now apply to cereals, dairy, fruits, nuts, and beverages.

17 Feb 2026 Effective date

6 HS codes Product categories covered

What changed

Cereals now regulated for mycotoxin levels, including wheat and other grains **^{1, 2}**.

Dairy products subject to strict mycotoxin thresholds **^{1, 2}**.

Fruits and nuts regulated including citrus and melon peels **^{1, 2}**.

Beverages included under new mycotoxin limits **^{1, 2}**.

Who it affects

Food importers must ensure products meet mycotoxin limits before entry.

Food manufacturers must test products for mycotoxin compliance.

Customs authorities will enforce the limits at borders.

Key dates

17 Feb 2026 — regulations take effect **^{1, 2}**.

South Africa — mycotoxin limits for food products

South Africa has finalized regulations establishing maximum permissible levels of mycotoxins in foodstuffs to protect consumer health, covering cereals, dairy produce, edible fruits and nuts, and beverages through a unified framework under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act of 1972 ^{1, 2}. These rules apply to specific HS codes including 04, 07, 08, 10, 11, and 22, and are effective from 17 February 2026 to ensure compliance with international food safety standards ^{1, 2}. The regulations are part of a broader effort to prevent harmful fungal contamination in food supply chains across multiple product categories ^{1, 2}.

Cereal Safety Standards

Maximum levels of mycotoxins are now defined for cereals, including wheat and other grains, to reduce health risks associated with fungal contamination in staple foods ^{1, 2}.

Dairy and Animal Products

Dairy produce and other edible products of animal origin are subject to strict mycotoxin thresholds to ensure safety in the food supply chain ^{1, 2}.

Edible Fruits and Nuts

Edible fruits and nuts, including peel from citrus and melons, are now regulated for mycotoxin content to prevent exposure to harmful fungal toxins ^{1, 2}.

Beverage Safety

Beverages, spirits, and vinegar are included under the new mycotoxin limits to ensure safe consumption and compliance with food safety norms ^{1, 2}.

Sources

↩ G/SPS/N/ZAF/88/Add.1/Corr.1 — Draft: Regulations relating to maximum levels of mycotoxins in foodstuffs https://docs.wto.org/imrd/directdoc.asp?DDFDocuments/T/G/SPS/NZAF88A1C1.docx
↩ G/SPS/N/ZAF/88/Add.1 — Draft: Regulations relating to maximum levels of mycotoxins in foodstuffs https://docs.wto.org/imrd/directdoc.asp?DDFDocuments/T/G/SPS/NZAF88A1.docx