New guidelines for producing boerewors in South Africa (2023)

Good news for South African consumers is that government recently published a detailed set of standards for the manufacturing of boerewors.

New guidelines for producing boerewors in South Africa (1)

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Published in the Government Gazette on 26 August under Section 15 of the Agricultural Product Standards Act No. 119 of 1990, the regulations are now binding.

Gerhard Schutte, CEO of the South African Red Meat Producers’ Organisation, welcomed government’s efforts to protect and maintain the quality of boerewors, as an iconic South African product.

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He said boerewors, which originated in South Africa, had over decades developed into one of the most popular red meat products in the country and even in neighbouring countries such as Namibia and Botswana.

“The popularity of boerewors can, to a large extent, be ascribed to the exceptional quality of the red meat produced locally.

“This, and the combination of spices and vinegar, create a unique flavour that is very characteristic of South African cuisine. It has become a part of the South African culture. What would a braai be without boerewors?”

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According to the new official standards, raw boerewors must from now on be manufactured from the meat of domesticated animals of the bovine, ovine, porcine or caprine species, or from a mixture of two or more of these.

The meat had to be contained in an edible casing, with a minimum total meat content of 90%, and a fat content of no more no more than 30%.

No edible or inedible offal were allowed in the product, except for the casing, nor any colourants. Furthermore, no added ingredients other than grain and/or starch, vinegar, spices, herbs and/or salt, food additives and water were allowed.

(Video) How -To Boerewors Recipe

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Boerewors was also not allowed to contain “mechanically recovered meat”, defined as pulped material recovered in a process whereby bone and meat were mechanically separated.

Johan Boje, a butcher from Wesselsbron, told Farmer’s Weekly that although boerewors had become an expensive product because of high beef prices, it remained a firm favourite among local consumers.

“While boerewors prices recently went up to about R115/kg, we still manage to sell an average of 3t per month and up to 10t during December.

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“Given the size of our small town on the Free State platteland, this underscores the popularity of boerewors in South Africa,” he added.

New guidelines for producing boerewors in South Africa (2)

FAQs

New guidelines for producing boerewors in South Africa? ›

According to the new official standards, raw boerewors must from now on be manufactured from the meat of domesticated animals of the bovine, ovine, porcine or caprine species, or from a mixture of two or more of these.

What are the new regulations for boerewors in South Africa? ›

Boerewors must have a minimum total meat content of 90% and a fat content of no more than 30%. Cereal or starch, vinegar, spices, herbs or salt, food additives, and water are the only other ingredients allowed. For more stories go to www.BusinessInsider.co.za.

What is the regulation for boerewors? ›

For a product to be labelled as boerewors, it must contain at least 90% total meat. This can be beef, pork, lamb and/or goat — as long as the animals used to make the product are declared on the label. Additionally, boerewors cannot contain more than 30% fat.

What are the meat regulations in South Africa? ›

According to the department, if any burger patty is marketed as coming from a specific species or animal, it must have a 70% meat content, three-quarters of which have to come from that species. The regulations also specify the requirements for other raw meat products.

What is South African boerewors made of? ›

Boerewors is made from coarsely minced beef (sometimes combined with minced pork, lamb, or both) and spices (usually toasted coriander seed, black pepper, nutmeg, cloves and allspice).

What is the shelf life of boerewors? ›

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO STORE BOEREWORS (SAUSAGES)? Our fresh Boerewors have a refrigerated shelf-life of 7 days and can be frozen up to 3 months.

Can I take biltong out of South Africa? ›

Bringing South African biltong to the US (legally) is impossible without a special certificate due to how the meat is cured.

What are the preservatives in boerewors? ›

Boerewors is a South African fresh sausage preserved with 450mg/kg sulphur dioxide (SO(2)).

Is boerewors kosher? ›

They contain no nitrates or preservatives, are low in sodium, the casings are edible, and they are certified kosher OU.

How healthy is boerewors? ›

Low in Fat, Rich in Nutrients

Beef boerewors are also rich in nutrients essential for overall health and well-being. It's a good source of vitamin B12, zinc, and iron, all essential in energy metabolism, immune function, and blood cell formation.

What is the most bought meat in South Africa? ›

Chicken meat accounts for 10% of South Africa's agricultural sector income – far exceeding sales generated from beef.

What is the Red meat Act South Africa? ›

This process remains critical to ensure a safe and wholesome product to consumers. The Meat Safety Act, 2000 (Act 40 of 2000) addresses measures to promote the safety of meat and animal products and to establish and maintain essential national standards in respect of abattoirs.

What is the meat safety Act Amendment South Africa? ›

(1) No person may— (a) slaughter any animal at any place other than an abattoir; (b) permit the slaughter of any animal at any place under his or her control, unless the place is an abattoir; or (c) sell or provide meat for human and animal consumption unless it has been slaughtered at an abattoir.

What is the English name for boerewors? ›

Boerewors. Commonly referred to by the rest of the world as “sausage”. No braai (or barbecue) is complete without a long string of fresh boerewors.

What are the different types of boerewors? ›

What are the different types of boerewors?
  • Garlic Boerewors.
  • Chillie Boerewors.
  • Spek Boerewors(Extra cubed pork fat)
  • Cheese Boerewors.
  • Traditional Boerewors.

What herb is in boerewors? ›

Boerewors is a traditional Sausage made in South Africa from mixture of minced pork, beef, mutton or goat meat and spiced with a mixture of coriander, nutmeg, black pepper and cloves.

Can you freeze cooked boerewors? ›

Hi Peter, pre-cooking and then freezing should be fine. Perhaps cook them 3/4 of the way, let them come to room temperature, wrap them up tightly in cling wrap and pop them in the freezer. You can then take them out and cook them the rest of the way when you need them, but only freeze them once. Hope this helps!

Can bacteria grow on vacuum sealed meat? ›

In vacuum-packaged meat, psychrotrophic facultative anaerobic and anaerobic bacteria can grow and cause different types of spoilage (56).

What sausage has the longest shelf life? ›

Hard or dry sausage (such as pepperoni and Genoa salami), whole and unopened, can be stored indefinitely in the refrigerator or for up to six weeks in the pantry.

Is biltong legal in USA? ›

Is biltong illegal? Due to the curing process of the meats, importing biltong to the United States is illegal. Also, the production of this South African dried beef without a license is a violation of several acts and regulations.

Can you get biltong in the US? ›

Welcome to Stormberg Foods – the home of American biltong, made using USA beef, traditional South African flavours, all-natural ingredients and original recipes. We supply superior air-dried meat snacks to the American public from a high-tech food processing facility situated in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

What is the American equivalent for what South Africans call biltong? ›

Biltong and Jerky are similar in that they are both dried meats, the taste and the production process is different. Biltong originates from South Africa (of course), whereas Jerky originates from North and South America.

Is boerewors bad for cholesterol? ›

Avoid meats that are high in fat such as boerewors, droewors, salami, sausages, lamb, beef, pork etc. Opt for lean protein sources (chicken, fish, legumes and eggs) as they are lower in energy. How you cook the meat is important.

How is boerewors made? ›

Traditionally, boerewors is made of minced meat in a sausage casing. The meat commonly used is beef but could also be goat, pork or lamb or a mixture of the four. Legally, boerewors must contain 90% meat content and less than 30% fat content.

How did boerewors originate? ›

The name comes from the Afrikaans words boer (“farmer”) and wors (“sausage”). It is thought that the original recipes would have come from the early migrants to South African brought with them from the Netherlands.

Does boerewors have MSG? ›

Made with natural pork casing, Finnish meat, is gluten free, is lactose free, does not contain any milk products, does not contain any egg products, does not contain any preservatives, does not contain any MSG, does not contain any nitrates, does not contain any nitrites.

Is boerewors processed meat? ›

According to Bussines Insider, the new regulations state that processed meat can only be called boerewors if: The wors has a minimum total meat content of 90% and a fat content of no more than 30%. The wors is contained in an edible casing.

Is Taco Bell kosher? ›

Is Taco Bell Kosher? The menu items served in Taco Bell are not specifically kosher certified.

What is the healthiest sausage? ›

If you want to eat sausage often, however, consider choosing healthier types of sausage, such as those made with chicken or turkey. You can also make your own to get the freshest variety with none of the harmful additives or high-fat meat.

What does boerewors taste like? ›

Boerewors seasoning characteristically includes coriander, black pepper, nutmeg, and allspice, along with a dark vinegar (malt vinegar). The vinegar and salt act to preserve the sausages as well as adding flavor.

Can I eat boerewors when on diet? ›

Eat small amounts or avoid processed foods (boerewors, viennas, sausages, polony, cold meats, fish cakes, hamburger patties, bully beef), tinned or smoked foods, spreads (Marmite, Bovril, fish paste, liver or meat spreads, pate, cheese spread), most cheeses and salty snacks (crisps, salty biscuits, biltong, salted nuts ...

Which meat is No 1 in the world? ›

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, pork is the most widely eaten meat in the world (36%) followed by poultry (33%), beef (24%), and goats/sheep (5%).

What is the nicest meat in the world? ›

Wagyu beef is valued so highly over other beef breeds for its genetic ability to generate large amounts of marbling, also known as marbling, a fatty fibre found between the muscles. This fat is the defining characteristic of this meat because it is what gives it its melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Which country eats the most meat in Africa? ›

Seychelles recorded the highest per capita amount of meat available for human consumption among countries in Africa as of 2019. The average meat supply in the African island reached 65 kilograms per capita. South Africa followed closely, with a supply of nearly 64 kilograms per person that year.

What are the new red meat guidelines? ›

Dietary goal

If you eat red meat, limit consumption to no more than about three portions per week. Three portions is equivalent to about 350–500g (about 12–18oz) cooked weight. Consume very little, if any, processed meat.

Why is beyond meat not in South Africa? ›

The US giant Beyond Meat has cancelled shipments to South Africa, out of fear that its products may be seized, says Spur. Spur has had to find an alternative for its Beyond Burgers.

Is food a human right in South Africa? ›

The right to food is enshrined in our Constitution, under sections 27 and 28.

What is the legislation on the right to food in South Africa? ›

Section 27(1)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa states that, “everyone has the right to have access to sufficient food and water.” This obligation is extended in section 27(2), according to which “the state must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to ...

What is the meat law? ›

The Federal Meat Inspection Act of 1906 (FMIA) is an American law that makes it illegal to adulterate or misbrand meat and meat products being sold as food, and ensures that meat and meat products are slaughtered and processed under strictly regulated sanitary conditions.

Can FDA regulate meat? ›

Meat and Poultry

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service regulates aspects of the safety and labeling of traditional (non-game) meats, poultry, and certain egg products.

What does boerewors mean in Afrikaans? ›

Boerewors is Afrikaans for “farmer's sausage”.

What do South Africans call corn on the cob? ›

Corn on the cob (mealies) is another South African favourite and slightly grilling the cooked mealies over the coals is even more delicious.

What do South Africans call french fries? ›

In South Africa, french fries are called hot chips.

Why is my boerewors dry? ›

Use Moderate Heat When Cooking Boerewors

Remember! Cooking boerewors too much will lead to the meat drying out, and high heat can scorch the outside as well. Moderate heat is your friend when prepping the meal.

What fat is used in boerewors? ›

You need 20 to 30% fat. Seperate the fat brisket and or back fat (spek). Cut the fat in small blocks or freeze then course grind it. You need to cool the cubes of meat to about 0-3 Deg.

Do you boil boerewors? ›

Never boil boerewors before cooking it. The key to cooking boerewors is to use to get the heat correct. The heat should be hot enough to cook the boerewors and change the outside colour to a nice brown colour but not so hot that it will burst the boerewors and lose all the juices.

Do you add salt to boerewors? ›

These spices are coriander seed, black pepper, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. Additional ingredients include salt and vinegar, which is a natural preservative, and sausage casing, which is used to hold and shape the boerewors.

What spices do South Africans use? ›

Spices used in the continent range from the familiar--bay leaves, cinnamon, cumin, ginger, and sesame seeds—to lesser-known ones such as cardamom or grains of paradise. Play with African spicing by cooking rice with smoky black cardamom or adding cinnamon and ginger to dipping sauces.

What is boerewors seasoning? ›

The Boerewors Spice Mix is a pungent and flavoursome blend of spices including roasted coriander, cloves, pepper and pimento. Traditionally each boerewors is usually made approximately 1 metre long and formed into a continuous spiral.

Can you bring meat products into South Africa? ›

If you want to import fresh (raw) meat (including offal) into the Republic of South Africa, or move such meat in transit through the country, legislation requires you to apply for and be granted a veterinary import permit or in transit permit from the Director: Animal Health.

What are the regulations for selling food in South Africa? ›

To legally sell any foodstuff in South Africa, except unprocessed agricultural products, you must apply for a Certificate of Acceptability from the local authority, which would typically be your municipality. This certificate must be in place before you start trading.

What must be declared at customs South Africa? ›

Always declare all goods in your possession • Produce all receipts for goods purchased abroad (including goods bought duty-free on board an aircraft and ship or in duty-free shops) • If you are unsure of the value which you should declare, ask for assistance from the Customs officer on duty.

What is not allowed into South Africa? ›

Prohibited Goods

Fully automatic, military and unnumbered weapons. Explosives and fireworks. Poison and other toxic substances. Cigarettes with a mass of more than 2kg per 1 000.

What food is not allowed through customs? ›

Meats, Livestock and Poultry: The regulations governing meat and meat products are stringent. You may not import fresh, dried or canned meats or meat products from most foreign countries into the United States. Also, you may not import food products that have been prepared with meat.

Can I bring cured meat into South Africa? ›

If you want to import processed meat products (e.g. cooked, fermented, dried) into the Republic of South Africa, or move such products in transit through South Africa, you must obtain a veterinary import permit or in-transit permit from the Director: Animal Health.

Who regulates the food industry in South Africa? ›

In 2000 the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised food safety as an essential public health function. The food control section within the department is responsible for ensuring the safety of food in South Africa.

What are the rules for bottled water in South Africa? ›

South African law states that the shelf-life of bottled water needs to be printed on the bottle in the form of an expiration date. Many retailers producing their own bottled water do not print this information on their bottles.

Is Haccp mandatory in South Africa? ›

This legislation covers 12 sectors and their categories of food-handling enterprises, including food preparation and catering (from caterers to restaurants) and street-vended foods. To date no sector is obligated by law to introduce a functioning HACCP system.

Do I need a license to sell homemade food South Africa? ›

Hawkers. If you are a hawker selling food and meals, which you take from place to place or sell from a vehicle, you need to have a licence. You will need to apply for a licence from the City's Trade Licence Department. In addition, you will need ​to pay a once-off application fee.

How much does a food license cost in South Africa? ›

It can cost from *R850 for a business license. Other licenses that you apply for and pay separate tariffs for including the provision of health facility or entertainment, inspection fee for Fire and Safety inspection, and the grading of the stalls or demarcated space for trading.

Do you need a business license in South Africa? ›

A business licence is generally required for businesses that need to comply with health and safety regulations. Licences are required for the following businesses: making or selling food which can go off.

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