Though not an explicit thrust area, there will be an increasing need for the NMISA to provide traceability in food safety measurements when the new legal metrology act comes into play. Similar requirements for NMISA will result from the new Consumer Protection Act (Act 68 of 2008) and the proposed labelling regulations. Furthermore, the Codex Alimentarius have strict guidelines and levels for all exported foodstuffs.

 

Metrological services for food safety requirements range from specific chemical measurements such as melamine, mycotoxins and heavy metals, to pesticides and microbiology to radio-activity.