Eskort warns of food security crisis as chicken imports from Brazil prohibited
Image: Pexels/IOL
South Africa stands on the precipice of a significant food security crisis following the government's decision to ban chicken imports from Brazil.
This ban, enacted by the Department of Agriculture on 15 May due to an avian flu outbreak in Brazil's Rio Grande Do Sul state, has raised urgent alarms within the local meat industry.
Arnold Prinsloo, CEO of meat producer Eskort, has expressed grave concerns over the ban's implications for the country's most vulnerable populations, highlighting that production lines may halt by the end of June if the restrictions are not reversed.
'This will deprive South Africa's most vulnerable citizens of more than 400 million low-cost meals per month,' Prinsloo warned during a press briefing.
He emphasised that many families and numerous school feeding schemes rely heavily on processed chicken products such as polony, Viennas, Russians, and Braaiwors.
The looming halt in production poses a serious risk of widespread hunger and malnutrition, especially among low-income households.
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
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.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Prinsloo has called for the Department of Agriculture to adopt a more tailored approach, akin to that of neighbouring countries like Namibia and Mozambique, which have managed their import bans more cautiously.
He advocates for a regionalised ban that focuses solely on the affected state, allowing imports from the rest of Brazil.
'A pragmatic and proactive decision to accept imports from unaffected regions will go a long way to heading off the looming crisis in South Africa,' he stated.
Echoing these sentiments, industry bodies, including the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters and the South African Meat Processors Association, have urged the government to align with World Organisation for Animal Health protocols, which would facilitate continued trade from unaffected areas.
Countries such as Japan and Saudi Arabia have successfully implemented zoning strategies, allowing them to import poultry while shielding public health.
The economic repercussions are profound. South Africa imports around 19,000 tonnes of mechanically deboned chicken from Brazil monthly.
This quantity is essential for producing a staggering 404 million low-cost meals each month when mixed with other ingredients, according to Prinsloo.
The projected 4- to 6-week gap in supply may see production facilities idle, leading to potential job losses and destabilising the lower living standards market, creating a recipe for socio-economic upheaval.
Critics within the local poultry industry have claimed they can fill the gap in supply.
However, Prinsloo counters these assertions by stating that while there may be capacity for fresh or frozen chicken, local producers fail to meet the essential need for mechanically deboned chicken, a product for which South Africa relies on Brazil for 92%.
'This is why the situation is extremely serious,' he added.
Finally, Eskort touts its rigorous production processes as ensuring the safety of its products amid health concerns related to avian flu.
By heating mechanically deboned meat to temperatures exceeding 70°C, they produce safe, consumable products, a practice that has been integral to their 108-year history without any food safety issues.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
NSFAS funding model overhaul: What you need to know
South Africa is experiencing a surge in demand for built student accommodation, with a significant shortfall of over 500 000 beds needing to be addressed in the sector. Image: Paballo Thekiso Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela announced on Tuesday an urgent overhaul of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding model. The Minister outlined the department's vision during a media briefing in Pretoria for the post-school education sector and emphasised that stabilising NSFAS is a top priority in the government's education reform plan. The new model is expected to be developed within the next three months. The decision to implement these changes comes after widespread concerns about governance, delivery failures, and funding gaps at NSFAS. Manamela acknowledged that "there's been fundamental challenges at NSFAS" but also highlighted that 800,000 students have currently received their allowances. To address the pressing issues, several actions are being taken: The Minister has instructed the CEO and Chairperson of NSFAS to convene an urgent briefing to inform the nation, especially students, on the current state of NSFAS and the challenges it faces. Engagements with Treasury have already begun to fill existing gaps in student funding. A Post-School Education and Training task team will be established to lead the broader overhaul of the post-school education system. All NSFAS issues are being addressed to ensure access, boost accountability, and restoring public trust in the scheme. Minister Manamela stated: "In the next three months, we will stabilise the National Student Financial Aid scheme and set in motion a sustainable student funding model". Additionally, an extensive briefing detailing these plans will be held in early September. Last week, reports emerged that NSFAS' student accommodation management processes and the involvement of third-party partners were under a comprehensive legal review. The student financier said it is currently awaiting the outcome of this review and will implement the recommendations to enhance transparency, integrity, and efficiency in its payment processes. IOL
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
The best dinner views in town are back at Chefs Warehouse, Tintswalo Atlantic
Floor-to-ceiling glass panels at Chefs Warehouse, Tintswalo Atlantic provides breathtaking vistas of the bay and the Hout Bay Sentinel. Image: Tintswalo Atlantic Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic has reopened with an elegant and refined new look. The transformation includes the integration of the former pergola area into the main restaurant space, creating a seamless, elevated dining environment. A striking new long bar now greets guests at the entrance, serving as a stylish focal point to create a welcoming space to enjoy a cocktail or a nightcap. The revamped layout comprises of distinct dining zones including an exclusive-use private dining room that caters to groups of 12 to 30 guests. While the interiors have evolved, the iconic views remain untouched. Now framed by floor-to-ceiling glass panels it provides breathtaking vistas of the bay and the Hout Bay Sentinel, allowing guests to enjoy dining in all weather conditions. 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 Inside the restaurant, plush banquette seating on the side holds an airy space with contemporary wooden tables and comfortable seating. As before, the ocean, mountain, and surrounding fynbos, alongside the acclaimed Chefs Warehouse culinary experience, remain the stars of the show. Interior designer Laurence Holmes drew inspiration from Tintswalo's extraordinary oceanfront setting, using natural tones and textures reminiscent of beach sand, driftwood, and kelp. Organic, pebble-like shapes are echoed in the light fixtures and custom-designed laser-cut panels, which reflect the natural beauty of the boulders and shoreline just steps from the restaurant. Cameron Luke Smith, who took the helm as head chef in 2023, continues to lead the kitchen team with a new 4-course set menu of small plates to share (R1250 per person). Chef Cameron Luke Smith leads the kitchen team at Chefs Warehouse, Tintswalo Atlantic. Image: Tintswalo Atlantic Guests can also opt for a thoughtfully curated wine pairing (R2000 per person). Rooted in Liam Tomlin's signature global tapas concept, the menu emphasizes local, sustainable ingredients, with a plant-based option also available. Every dining experience begins with a complimentary bread course, featuring the iconic Chefs Warehouse brioche and savoury butters, and may conclude with an optional cheese selection or à la carte desserts. Restaurant General Manager Jami de Witt is thrilled to welcome guests back: 'After almost five years of trading in this incredible location, weathering the Cape winter storms and the scorching summer seasons, it was time for a refresh. Few places in the world offer dining this close to the crashing waves of the untamed Atlantic Ocean and we are very excited about the contemporary new look of the restaurant. 'Our new glass-framed space invites guests into a one-of-a-kind, multi-sensory encounter, feeling the sea breeze, watching the sunset, and celebrating the joy of life while indulging in a unique food and wine experience." IOL Lifestyle Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
South Africa targets Asia, Middle East as Trump tariffs escalate trade tensions
South Africa is moving swiftly to cushion its economy from the fallout of tariffs imposed by the United States under the Trump administration – tariffs that officials say South Africa did not deserve. Image: Ron | IOL South Africa is moving swiftly to cushion its economy from the fallout of tariffs imposed by the United States under the Trump administration – tariffs that officials say South Africa did not deserve. In response to the ongoing trade challenges, during a joint press briefing, Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Parks Tau as well as John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture, outlined a multi-pronged strategy to mitigate the economic impact, sustain exports, and diversify trading partnerships. 'I think it's in their interest as well to have a good relationship with the most industrialised and largest economy on the continent. But also, to make sure that we're not putting all our eggs in one basket and that we are looking to turn looking for other markets,' said Steenhuisen. Steenhuisen added: 'I don't think that it would be fair to penalise South Africa for being part of a regional block like BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), which obviously is our prerogative as a country… 'Some of them have obviously been slapped with far more punitive tariffs than we have.' The plan includes intensified engagement with the US, new economic response packages, tariff adjustments, and a push into alternative markets in Asia, the Middle East, and India. 'So not only is it a function of us sitting on our hands, as some have alluded to, it's a function of the fact that there are processes that we are required to follow,' said Steenhuisen. Key elements include addressing energy and privacy measures, opening market access for poultry, and introducing mitigation measures for blueberry exports, all aimed at fulfilling US trade concerns. The US Africa trade desk has begun shipping poultry and pork from states such as Georgia, Mississippi, and California to South Africa, signalling a commitment to maintain agricultural trade flows despite tariffs. At the same time, South Africa is considering reducing tariffs on certain goods to manage trade deficits and align more closely with tariff rates applied by the European Union, thereby improving competitiveness. Economic Response and Export Support A central feature of the government's response is the Economic Response Package, which established an Export Desk that has already assisted 23 companies. This initiative is complemented by a working capital facility and a plant equipment facility designed to support transport needs across various industries. Consultations with the Competition Commission have resulted in a draft block exemption to enable exporters to collaborate more effectively. The draft is expected to be published this week, accelerating efforts to support export coordination. Diversifying Markets and Regional Partnerships Recognising the risks of over-reliance on traditional trading partners, South Africa is fast-tracking diversification efforts. New market opportunities are being actively pursued in Asia, the Middle East, and India, where demand is rising and South African goods enjoy a positive reputation. The government is also enhancing dedicated infrastructure to expand market reach and increase export certification capacity, critical steps to ensure readiness for new trading partnerships. As part of a broader regional strategy, South Africa assumed chairmanship of the Southern African Customs Union in mid-July, with the first meeting focusing on trade measures and deepening cooperation with neighbouring countries. Demand-side measures and domestic growth South Africa is amplifying outreach to corporates and retailers through online platforms and market access programmes aimed at boosting domestic procurement and export capabilities. Although the US accounts for roughly 4% of South Africa's total agricultural exports – valued at R9.8 billion rand – the government remains committed to keeping this market open while simultaneously accelerating diversification. For context, South Africa's gross domestic product is worth R7 trillion. Agricultural innovation and sustainability The Department of Agriculture is promoting initiatives such as increased wheat production and support for emerging farmers. Efforts include transforming traditional sugar plantations into ethanol and sorghum plantations as part of a broader sugar master plan aimed at clean energy production. A biofuels strategy is underway, with the government fast-tracking the regulatory and legislative framework to meet global demand. Industry players like Sasol are positioned to lead technological advancements in this space.
