Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Ordinance, 1979.

The Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Ordinance, 1979 (Ordinance 18 of 1979) is a legislative framework enacted in Namibia to regulate the sale, manufacture, importation, and handling of foodstuffs, cosmetics, and disinfectants. Its primary objective is to safeguard public health by ensuring that these products meet prescribed standards of safety, quality, and labelling. The Ordinance defines key terms and establishes prohibitions against the sale or production of items that are contaminated, adulterated, or misleadingly described. It outlines specific offences related to false advertising, improper labelling, and the use of prohibited substances or processes. It also sets conditions under which mixtures or blends of foodstuffs may be sold, requiring clear labelling and disclosure of ingredients. The law provides for the appointment of inspectors and analysts, granting them powers to inspect premises, seize goods, and conduct sample analyses. It includes provisions for further examination of samples during legal proceedings and outlines the procedures for detention and potential confiscation of imported goods pending analysis. Regulations under the Ordinance may prescribe standards for composition, packaging, labelling, and permissible substances. The law also allows for exemptions under specific conditions, and it includes mechanisms for enforcement by local authorities. Penalties for violations range from fines to imprisonment, with escalating severity for repeat offences.