2 days ago
Steenhuisen calls for building trust in SA red meat industry through rigorous standards
Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, speaking at the Red Meat Abattoir Association Conference in Cape Town on Thursday.
Image: Ian Landsberg/Independent Newspapers
Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has reaffirmed that the South African red meat industry must adhere to strict traceability systems and underpinned by a relentless focus on quality, transparency, and food safety.
This comes as the country continues to grapple with the outbreak of the foot-and-mouth diseases (FMD).
Underlining the significance of biosecurity, the Minister pointed out that abattoirs serve as essential checkpoints for public health and animal welfare.
"If there are gaps in how we operate abattoirs, whether in hygiene, record-keeping, carcass classification, or worker safety, then we expose not only our markets but our communities," Steenhuisen said at the Red Meat Abattoir Association Conference in Cape Town on Thursday.
"This is why, under my leadership, the Department of Agriculture is intensifying its inspection systems, modernising legislation, and working closely with provincial veterinary services to ensure that standards are not merely set, but enforced. Compliance must not be treated as a formality. It is a public good.
"We are also prioritising upgrades to small-scale and rural abattoirs, ensuring that they are equipped to meet basic statutory and food safety requirements. If we are serious about expanding market access to emerging farmers, we must build a system that is inclusive and compliant."
Moreover, Steenhuisen said the industry was taking a proactive approach to combat the global threat of antimicrobial resistance. He said this was especially important as the country confronts animal disease threats like FMD, African swine fever, and zoonotic risks.
"And it is particularly important as we strengthen our export credentials, where one outbreak can trigger a devastating market suspension. It is for this reason that we are reforming our disease surveillance system, revitalising partnerships with the private sector and investing in digital platforms that can flag biosecurity threats early and allow for rapid, science-based response," Steenhuisen said.
"However, as we enhance our commitment to food safety, we must also remain vigilant on the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Responsible use of antibiotics in livestock production is not only essential for animal health, but also for protecting human health. We are actively working with veterinarians, industry players, and health authorities to align our practices with international guidelines for responsible antimicrobial stewardship."
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