R638 Food Safety Compliance

Vendors are solely responsible for ensuring their food business complies with all applicable South African food safety legislation, including the Regulations Governing General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises and the Transport of Food (R638).

Vendors who prepare, handle, store, or sell medium to high-risk foods (including cooked meals, catering, platters, meat, dairy, vegan cooked meals, and perishable items) must possess a valid Certificate of Acceptability (COA) issued by their local municipality before offering such items on Kindle Kitchen.

Vendors who sell low-risk items (such as baked goods, dry goods, confectionery, and shelf-stable snacks) may operate on Kindle Kitchen without a COA initially, provided they complete a self-declaration of hygiene compliance and agree to the platform’s food safety standards.

Kindle Kitchen does not verify or guarantee a vendor’s compliance with R638 or any other food safety regulations.
Vendors are fully responsible for obtaining, maintaining, and renewing their COA where required.

By listing products or accepting bookings, the vendor confirms that:

• They are legally permitted to sell the listed food items.
• They hold a valid COA if their food category requires one.
• All food is prepared in a hygienic environment as required by law.

Kindle Kitchen is not liable for any legal action, penalties, illness, loss, or damages arising from a vendor’s failure to comply with R638 or any other regulatory requirements.

Kindle Kitchen reserves the right to request proof of compliance at any time and may suspend or remove vendors who fail to provide a COA or who violate food safety requirements.