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

7.1.4 Canned tuna, albacore and bonito
7.1.4.1 Preparation and presentation
The product shall be produced from pre-cooked tuna flesh from the species listed under 10.3.2.10. Tuna shall be presented as tuna meat preparation forms (unless it is described differently on the label) as per the following:
a) Solid:
Fish is cut into transverse segments that are placed in the can with their transverse cut ends parallel to the ends of the can. The proportion of free flakes or chunks shall not exceed 18 % of the drained mass of the container when determined in accordance with 11.5. The structure of the solid tuna meat shall be well defined and shall turn out of the can in a basically single portion.
b) Chunks:
A mixture of pieces of fish most of that have dimensions of not less than 12 mm in each direction and in that the original muscle structure is retained. The presence of pieces of flesh of that the dimensions are less than 12 mm shall not exceed 30 % of the drained mass when determined in accordance with 11.5.
c) Flakes:
A mixture of particles and pieces of flesh that have dimensions less than 12 mm in each direction but in which the muscular structure of the flesh is retained. The proportion of pieces of flesh of which the dimensions are less than 12 mm shall exceed 30 % of the drained mass of the container as determined in accordance with 11.5.
d) Grated or shredded:
A mixture of particles of fish that have been reduced to a reasonable uniform size in that particles are discrete and do not comprise a paste.
e) Tuna with vegetables andlor fruit andlor cereals:
The tuna component shall be in the form of flakes or shredded and the colour shall be light as required in 7.1.4.2.
f) Other presentations:
Any other presentation shall be permitted provided that it is sufficiently distinctive from the forms of presentation or preparation laid down in 7.1.4.1, meets all other requirements of this specification and is adequately described on the label to avoid confusing or misleading the consumer.
7.1.4.2 Colour of white or light meat tuna
For the purpose of labelling, canned tuna shall fall within one of the following colour designations:
a) White tuna or white meat tuna:
Canned tuna of the species Thunnus alalunaa (albacore) that has a diffuse luminous reflectance of not less than 33,7 % of that of magnesium oxide when that reflectance is measured by the method in SANS 5137 (SABS SM 137), Daylight 45; 0" luminous directional reflectance of surface coatings and pigments. This is approximately equivalent to 6.3 Munsell units when examined in accordance with 1 1.12; and
b) Light tuna or light meat tuna:
Canned tuna that has a diffuse luminous reflectance of not less than 22,6 % of that of magnesium oxide when that reflectance is measured by the said method. This is approximately equivalent to 5,3 Munsell units when examined in accordance with 11.12.
The colour in each pack shall conform to its description and shall be reasonably uniform. There shall be no dark meat and the product shall be practically free from discoloured muscle due to bruising, blood, parasitical infestation or lipid oxidation. The flesh of different species of tuna shall not be packed together. Discolouration due to lipid oxidation, sugar caramelisation or persistent flushed pink, orange or green colours in the flesh shall not exceed 5 % of the drained contents. Metal soiling or staining shall be absent.
7.1.4.3 Dark meat tuna or dark tuna
Canned tuna that does not meet the colour requirements of light meat tuna or that is packed by using dark meats, may be described as dark meat tuna or dark tuna.
NOTE Colour of tuna is usually determined subjectively by trained and experienced inspectors. The test methods in 7.1.4.2 need only be employed in cases of dispute.
7.1.4.5 Drained mass
When determined in accordance with 11.5 the drained mass shall be as follows:
- the average drained mass of containers examined shall be not less than 70 % of the d.n.m. with no individual drained mass less than 65 % of the d.n.m.;
- where canned tuna is packed in a thick sauce the drained mass shall be not less than 60 % of the d.n.m.;
- where tuna is packed in a thick sauce with garnish, the drained mass shall be not less than 55 % of the d.n.m.; and
- where tuna is packed with vegetables and/or fruit and/or edible garnish and/or cereals, the total drained mass shall be not less than 55 % of the d.n.m. and the drained mass of the tuna content shall be not less than 25 % of the d.n.m.
JULIE 2004 No. 26530 43
7.1.4.6 Absence of certain particular defects
The product shall comply with the description on the label. The product shall be free from bones, fins, viscera, large blood vessels longer than 10 mm and shall be practically free from blood clots greater than 6 mm in diameter 

Reference of the measure

Regulations 7.1.4.1 and 7.1.4.2
Regulation 7.1.4.5 and 7.1.4.6 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Canned tuna, albacore and bonito 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries