South Africa faces poultry supply concerns amid Brazilian import ban
Farming associations and agricultural associations have raised concern about the impact of the Department of Agriculture's ban on chicken from Brazil due to an avian influenza outbreak.
Image: supplied
South Africa is grappling with potential food insecurity this winter after the Department of Agriculture's has banned chicken from Brazil due to an avian influenza outbreak.
The ban, effective since May 15, 2023, halts imports of live poultry, eggs, and fresh or frozen poultry meat, raising alarms over the supply of mechanically deboned meat (MDM) and poultry offal critical for affordable processed meats like polony, viennas, and sausages.
The Association of Meat Importers and Exporters warned on Wednesday of serious economic and food insecurity consequences for South Africa as a result of the recent outbreak of Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Brazil.
'Local producers cannot, and will not be able to meet the gap in supply of poultry offal (feet, gizzards, and skins) and MDM, driving up prices and threatening the affordability and accessibility of basic protein for millions,' it said.
Georg Southey, the manager at Merlog Foods, said on Wednesday said there is likely to be a shortage of 400 million meals per month, which equates to seven meals per person per month across the country. Two weeks of import shipments have already been wasted, and a further 100 million meals will be lost every week if the government continues with business as usual.
Southey added that the country has only 2.5 weeks of food reserves in some key categories. 'This will have devastating consequences for food security and exacerbate a dreadful reality that estimates suggest over 30% of South African households in at least four provinces already have inadequate food and often go hungry,' he added.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad Loading
Arnold Prinsloo, CEO of meat producer Eskort, noted that MDM from Brazil is used by Eskort and its competitors to make polony, viennas, Russians, and Braaiwors.
"Production lines will come to a standstill before the end of June if the ban on Brazilian chicken is not lifted. This will deprive South Africa's most vulnerable citizens of more than 400 million low-cost meals per month,' he said.
Prinsloo added that vulnerable families and thousands of school feeding schemes rely heavily on polony, and there is a real danger of widespread hunger and malnutrition if Eskort and its competitors cannot sustain supplies. 'The Department of Agriculture, which imposed the Brazil ban on 15 May, should follow the example of Namibia and Mozambique by narrowing the ban to chicken from Rio Grande do Sul, the only state affected by avian flu. The rest of Brazil can be regarded as safe, and a pragmatic and proactive decision to accept imports on that basis will go a long way to heading off the looming crisis in South Africa.'
However, Izaak Breitenbach, the CEO of the South African Poultry Association, offered a counterpoint, suggesting the impact on poultry meat supply may be overstated.
'South Africa imports a reduced volume of chicken meat from Brazil, and local production can ramp up quickly, especially as demand typically dips this time of year,' Breitenbach said. While acknowledging a shortage of MDM, which is predominantly imported from Brazil, he noted that South Africa produces minimal MDM domestically and may shift imports to countries like Thailand. 'There will not be a shortage of chicken meat, but MDM supply will be constrained,' he clarified.
Investment analyst Anthony Clark from Smalltalkdaily Research said that America and Europe have also reported avian influenza outbreaks. 'Brazil is the biggest exporter of poultry products into South Africa. They have a market share of around 80%, so it is concerning that there is a ban on their products. This means that there is very little chicken coming into this country. However, products that are coming in from Brazil are MDM which goes into processed meat such as polony, viennas, and Russians. The other products that are still coming in from Brazil are chicken offals such as carcasses, heads, and livers.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Breaking the Stigma: Understanding Mental Health and Addiction
Although the perspective regarding mental health and substance addiction is slowly shifting, there is still a significant lack of support available when it comes to confronting these issues. While public resources are available for patients suffering from mental health issues or substance use disorder, demand exceeds supply, and many people still dismiss the mental health needs of others. The stigma surrounding addiction and mental health affects people's willingness to seek support in any form. Reaching out to friends and family members can pose social consequences among crowds that reinforce negative stigmas regarding addiction and mental health discourse. Because of this, we need to help others understand why addiction is classified as a chronic brain disease, and how stigmatising mental health discourse perpetuates self-destructive tendencies among South African communities. One of the first steps towards overcoming addiction, not just as an individual but as a community, is by encouraging the understanding of mental illnesses and diseases. Substance use disorder, or addiction, goes hand in hand with mental health issues and forms a mutually destructive relationship. While some cases show that mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and more can lead to drug or alcohol addiction, there are also many examples of substance addiction leading to the development of mental health issues. This is particularly evident in South Africa, where lower-income communities experience higher rates of addiction (particularly alcoholism) and mental health issues. When considering economic disparity, social issues, infrastructural problems, and more, it's unsurprising that the country is facing an uphill battle. A study from 2022 suggests that 1 in 4 people in South Africa are suffering from depression or anxiety, and that 1 in 3 will suffer from mental health disorders in their lifetime. As the evidence shows, South Africa faces a myriad of battles on the mental health front. Some of the most common causes of mental health issues in South Africa can be attributed to: Social problems : Social problems such as crime, antisocial behaviour, and racism are extremely prevalent in South Africa. These can cause a great deal of stress and lead to the development of neurological issues such as anxiety disorder, depression, PTSD, and more. : Social problems such as crime, antisocial behaviour, and racism are extremely prevalent in South Africa. These can cause a great deal of stress and lead to the development of neurological issues such as anxiety disorder, depression, PTSD, and more. Economic issues : Economic issues such as financial and housing insecurity can exacerbate mental health problems, leading to issues such as anxiety or depression among those who are in a constant state of worry and stress. : Economic issues such as financial and housing insecurity can exacerbate mental health problems, leading to issues such as anxiety or depression among those who are in a constant state of worry and stress. Geographical boundaries: South Africans who live in rural areas may face more challenges when it comes to accessing health or medical facilities. This can lead to physical and mental conditions deteriorating as they fail to receive adequate care. South Africa has some of the highest rates of alcohol consumption in the world. People are exposed to alcohol at very young ages in South Africa, suggesting that 12% of teenagers reportedly engage in drinking before the age of 13, and rates of alcohol drinkers among high schoolers reach as high as 69% in some studies. Here are some of the causes of substance addiction: Pre-existing mental health issues : Pre-existing mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety,y may lead to developing coping mechanisms in the form of drug and alcohol consumption. The short-term dopamine release experienced by psychoactive substances, and diminished inhibition, can temporarily relieve the person of these symptoms and instead experience euphoria. : Pre-existing mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety,y may lead to developing coping mechanisms in the form of drug and alcohol consumption. The short-term dopamine release experienced by psychoactive substances, and diminished inhibition, can temporarily relieve the person of these symptoms and instead experience euphoria. Socioeconomic issues : If someone is facing financial or occupational insecurity, they may turn towards substances to relieve them of any external stress. : If someone is facing financial or occupational insecurity, they may turn towards substances to relieve them of any external stress. Prenatal alcohol exposure : Some people are more vulnerable to developing substance addiction, particularly in low-income communities. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a condition where the baby develops a substance dependence because its mother engages in drug or alcohol consumption throughout pregnancy. : Some people are more vulnerable to developing substance addiction, particularly in low-income communities. is a condition where the baby develops a substance dependence because its mother engages in drug or alcohol consumption throughout pregnancy. Culture: If a culture enables binge drinking or drug use, it will naturally expose people to the effects of addiction. Young people anywhere in the world are subject to peer pressure and respond to social rewards to a high degree. In this case, the social reward comes from fraternising and establishing yourself among others by engaging in binge drinking and drug culture. Many people who are sober or don't engage in drug and alcohol consumption may experience some form of social isolation, especially among the younger demographic. If a culture enables binge drinking or drug use, it will naturally expose people to the effects of addiction. Young people anywhere in the world are subject to peer pressure and respond to social rewards to a high degree. In this case, the social reward comes from fraternising and establishing yourself among others by engaging in binge drinking and drug culture. Many people who are sober or don't engage in drug and alcohol consumption may experience some form of social isolation, especially among the younger demographic. Accessibility: Some studies show a strong correlation between the number of sources of availability and how much people engage in alcohol consumption. If a person has much greater access to drugs or alcohol, they're more likely to consume them frequently. Here are some of the most common cultural and social stigmas surrounding addiction and mental health issues, and why they exist. Many people believe mental health issues and even discussing mental health issues to be a sign of weakness. Often, this is rooted in not only a lack of education but also the high expectations of masculinity and how men must be strong in a patriarchal community. Due to this pervasive but incredibly toxic mindset, people suffering from mental health issues are reluctant to seek professional support or even support from close family and friends. Whether someone worries that their friends will see them as 'weak' or another thinks it will reflect poorly on their image as a parent, stigmas prevent people from taking the necessary steps towards recovery because of the social ramifications. The misconception that addiction is a lifestyle choice isn't uncommon at all. Although substance addiction is categorised as a chronic brain disease, some people still attribute the disease to someone's lack of discipline. Addictive substances affect people differently, with some people being at much higher risk at developing a form of dependence. Genetic, physical, psychological, and environmental factors play a significant role in someone's vulnerability to substance addiction. When someone is suffering from addiction, they can experience physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms, which aren't only discomforting but can be fatal. Common withdrawal symptoms include headaches, depression, vomiting, diarrhoea, hallucinations, and even seizures. The consequences of stigmatising addiction and mental health issues are various and counter-intuitive to the local community: Delayed or avoided treatment : The stigmas surrounding mental health issues may mean that someone is too afraid to seek emotional or professional help. Instead of recovering, their condition will worsen, and their health will deteriorate. : The stigmas surrounding mental health issues may mean that someone is too afraid to seek emotional or professional help. Instead of recovering, their condition will worsen, and their health will deteriorate. Worsened condition and suicide ideation : The person's condition will continue to worsen until they are either coerced to seek treatment at an addiction detox treatment centre, or consider suicide as an alternative relief from their struggles : The person's condition will continue to worsen until they are either coerced to seek treatment at an addiction detox treatment centre, or consider suicide as an alternative relief from their struggles Overdosing and death : When an addicted person relapses, they will often consume similar quantities of drugs or alcohol to what they're used to. However, their bodies may not be able to handle such quantities following a period of withdrawal, leaving them at greater risk of overdosing or even death. : When an addicted person relapses, they will often consume similar quantities of drugs or alcohol to what they're used to. However, their bodies may not be able to handle such quantities following a period of withdrawal, leaving them at greater risk of overdosing or even death. Emotional and economic strain: The economic and social burden of addiction can wreak havoc on communities. Not only are public health facilities struggling to cope with surging demands, but friends and family members will suffer dramatically due to their loved one's ill health. Here are some of the ways we can break the stigma and support our loved ones and community members suffering from mental health issues and substance addiction: Non-judgmental support: Each case of addiction or mental health issue is different, and we should encourage sympathy. Even if we aren't able to offer licensed or professional guidance or we don't have any direct experience with these conditions, being non-judgmental can encourage them to be more open and seek support. support: Each case of addiction or mental health issue is different, and we should encourage sympathy. Even if we aren't able to offer licensed or professional guidance or we don't have any direct experience with these conditions, being non-judgmental can encourage them to be more open and seek support. Offer resources : There is a wealth of resources which can be of use to those suffering from addiction or mental health conditions, particularly those of South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA), and SAFMH. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery are fellowship groups that also offer synchronised meetings with other people struggling with addiction. : There is a wealth of resources which can be of use to those suffering from addiction or mental health conditions, particularly those of South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA), and SAFMH. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery are fellowship groups that also offer synchronised meetings with other people struggling with addiction. Attend a support group : Support groups such as AA and NA allow you to attend support sessions with an addicted loved one. This can offer a tremendous amount of support, especially in the first few sessions when your addicted loved one isn't entirely comfortable attending by themself. : Support groups such as AA and NA allow you to attend support sessions with an addicted loved one. This can offer a tremendous amount of support, especially in the first few sessions when your addicted loved one isn't entirely comfortable attending by themself. Reach out to professionals : Reaching out to professionals, whether those working at a drug and alcohol rehab, licensed therapists, or South African-based mental health helplines, can help you understand more of how you can support your loved one. Not only will you discover new and helpful resources, but you can learn about managing relapse triggers and introducing healthy coping mechanisms to your loved one. : Reaching out to professionals, whether those working at a drug and alcohol rehab, licensed therapists, or South African-based mental health helplines, can help you understand more of how you can support your loved one. Not only will you discover new and helpful resources, but you can learn about managing relapse triggers and introducing healthy coping mechanisms to your loved one. The SAFER Initiative: WHO's SAFER initiative promotes a set of interventions which can reduce alcohol consumption and the harm it causes in South African communities. Although it is difficult to enforce these rules as individuals, abiding by and encouraging SAFER initiatives can greatly reduce the adverse effects of alcohol.
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
KZN foot-and-mouth disease outbreak persists while progress made in Eastern Cape, Limpopo
While foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks are under control in other provinces, KwaZulu-Natal remains a critical concern. Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Newspapers While foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks are under control in some South African provinces, in KwaZulu-Natal signs of active virus circulation persist. This is according to the national Department of Agriculture. 'The designated management area (DMA) in KwaZulu-Natal remains in place,' said Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, referring to the designated area still under restrictions. The department said to manage the outbreak more effectively, an abattoir in the Vryheid area is being designated to slaughter animals from restricted premises, and a system has been implemented to assess biosecurity levels on individual farms. 'The intention is to align the control measures with the biosecurity risks,' said Steenhuisen. The department said the biosecurity, traceability and record keeping of animals bought and sold at auctions and similar industries were raised as a specific concern and this will be addressed by the department in a directive due to be published. The department also announced that an order has been placed for much-needed vaccines to the value of R72 million. Meanwhile the department is preparing to lift movement restrictions in the Eastern Cape, where the Kouga and Kou-Kamma municipalities have been under a DMA since July 2024. A total of 144,424 vaccinations were administered, and with the last cases reported in September 2024, surveillance has confirmed the disease is no longer present. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Similarly, Limpopo's DMA, in place since September 2022, will also be lifted after two rounds of vaccination in the Vhembe Municipality. 'Two rounds of vaccination saw 23,024 vaccinations administered on cattle at 34 dip tanks, proving highly effective,' Steenhuisen said. In Mpumalanga, a single outbreak in Gert Sibande Municipality in April 2025 was traced to an auction in KZN. Surveillance of surrounding farms has not identified any further spread. A second round of testing is under way. New cases, however, have emerged in Gauteng. 'A feedlot and adjacent farm were found positive in the West Rand Municipality,' said Steenhuisen. In the East Rand, FMD was confirmed in communal cattle, and investigations are ongoing. China has since suspended imports of South African beef due to the outbreaks, although wool exports remain unaffected. 'Biosecurity is everybody's responsibility,' Steenhuisen cautioned, urging farmers to isolate newly bought animals for 28 days and report any suspicious symptoms to local State Veterinarians. THE MERCURY
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
5 ways to eat healthy this winter without going on a diet
When I think about healthy winter diet, I focus on easy changes that let me enjoy comfort foods while feeling good. I don't believe in strict rules or cutting out everything tasty. Here are five simple ways to eat healthier this winter without worrying about every bite, and you can do it too! I enjoy winter dishes like mac and cheese, stews, and mashed potatoes, but I try to add more vegetable and whole grains. Sometimes, I replace half the potatoes with cauliflower or add lentils to my soups. I also pay attention to my portions; I often feel full before finishing my plate! Using smaller plates helps me eat less without feeling deprived. Adding cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, or garlic to my meals enhances flavor and helps my immune system and digestion. This feels especially important in the cold months. I sprinkle cinnamon on my morning oats and brew ginger-lemon tea in the afternoon. I don't cut out snacks completely. Instead, I choose snacks that keep me energized and satisfied, like roasted chickpeas, apple slices with nut butter, or spiced nuts. Having healthy snacks ready helps me avoid quick sugar fixes. It's easy to forget to drink water when it's cold, but I notice my skin and energy feel better when I drink throughout the day. I like to keep a thermos of warm herbal tea nearby. It's comforting and helps me stay hydrated without the chill of cold water. Instead of focusing on restrictions, I add more colour, fiber, protein, and healthy fats to my meals. One of my favourites is a winter bowl with roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, kale, and tahini drizzle. It is filling, nourishing, and keeps me satisfied without feeling like I'm missing out. Eating well in winter can be simple and enjoyable. I focus on a balance between food that warms me and nutrition that helps my body stay healthy. Please note. These are my personal home remedies and do not constitute medical or pharmaceutical advice. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
