Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

B7: Product quality, safety or performance requirements 

Date when the measure came into force

09 September 2004 

Publication where the measure is specified

Government Notice R. 790 (Government Gazette 26530) Of 9 July 2004 

Regulation where the measure is specified

Compulsory Specification For The Manufacture, Production, Processing And Treatment Of Canned Fish, Canned Marine Molluscs And Canned Crustaceans 

Country/Region applying the measure

South Africa 

The rationale of the measure

This specification covers the manufacture, production, processing, and treatment of canned fish, canned fish products, canned marine molluscs, canned marine mollusc products, canned crustaceans and canned crustacean products. 

Coded list of objectives

X: For purposes n.e.s. 

Description of the measure

6.2.1 General
Only fish of one species shall be packed under the same batch code and sub code where applicable. Units of fish in any one container shall be reasonably uniform in size, appearance and form. Where it is necessary to adjust the fill of the container, a small cutlet or smaller unit of fish may be present. The manner of packing or the cut packed shall be in accordance with the product description on the label. In packs other than plain packs, the fish shall be pre-cooked and exuded liquids drained before the addition of the packing medium. Canned fish shall be practically free from units of mushy and brittle texture indicating poor quality raw material or fish softened by excessive
parasitical infestation.
6.2.2 Fillets
Where fish is packed as fillets, the fillets shall be reasonably uniform in size. An additional small piece may be included for mass adjustment.
6.2.3 Compliance with product description and sensory requirements
The presentation of the product and its appearance shall comply with the description of the product on the label. The appearance, colour, texture, odour and flavour shall be indicative and characteristic of fresh raw material used. The flesh colour shall be reasonably free from discolouration indicating excessive lipid oxidation or other chemical or biochemical reaction. Unless the product description indicates that fish units are de-skinned or that trawl marked raw materials were used, fish units shall be reasonably free from skin damage and excessive blemishes in the flesh. No canned fish product shall have a muddy appearance indicative of poor raw materials being used. Flesh texture shall not be excessively soft, mushy, tough or rubbery.
7.1.1.1.3 Products packed in sauce
The fish product shall be covered or partially covered with sauce upon opening of the can and the product shall comply with the description of the product. The presence of natural fish oils in the sauce is acceptable but there shall not be excessive separation of water from the sauce. Fish units shall be of uniform size and there shall not be excessive disintegration of flesh and bellies indicative of poor quality raw material or of bad manufacturing practice. In case of skin-on portions, fish skins shall be reasonably intact and not show signs of microbiological, biochemical or physical deterioration
7.1.1.2 Drained mass
7.1.1.2.1 The average drained mass of pilchards, sardines, mullet, herring, sardinella and similar types of fish packed in sauce in vertical cans shall be not less than 70 % of the declared mass. No individual drained mass shall be less than 65 % of the d.n.m. of products under 7.1.1.
7.1.1.2.2 When pilchards are presented in a brine or water packing medium in round vertically packed cans, the minimum drained mass shall be not less than 65 % of the d.n.m.
7.1.1.2.3 When packed as fillets of pilchards, sardinella, sardines or similar types of fish in flatcans and in a thick sauce, the drained mass shall be not less than 60 % of the d.n.m.
7.1.1.2.4 Mullet and herring fillets packed in flat cans and in a thick sauce shall have a drained mass of not less than 60 %.
7.1.1.2.5 The total drained mass of fish products packed as semi-preserves, where the packing medium composition preserves the product, shall be not less than 60 %.
7.1.1.3 Absence of scales and viscera
Unless fish is labelled scales on, not more than 10 % of the units examined as per 11.14 shall be covered with scales. When determined in accordance with 11.13 the product shall contain not more than 3 % of viscera and/or loose green feed. 

Reference of the measure

Regulation 6.2.1 to 6.2.3; 7.1.1.1.3; 7.1.1.2 and 7.1.1.3 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Canned fish 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries