The Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE) has called for a considered and collaborative approach from the South African government following the recent outbreak of Avian Influenza (bird flu) in Brazil.

Brazil typically accounts for 84% of South Africa’s poultry imports.

Rather than imposing a blanket ban on all poultry imports from Brazil, AMIE is proposing that government consider a regionalisation strategy that restricts imports only from the specific affected regions in a country, as recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

This approach has already been announced by Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines in response to the outbreak in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul.

AMIE CEO Imameleng Mothebe explains that a full ban on Brazilian poultry imports to South Africa will have devastating consequences for South African poultry meat processors and consumers.

“Imported poultry not only fills the country’s poultry consumption gap, but provides the necessary competition to ensure that prices are kept in check,” Mothebe adds.

With chicken being the most affordable protein source for many South Africans, including the most economically vulnerable in society, a disruption in the supply of poultry products, including bone-in chicken and mechanically deboned meat (MDM), could significantly raise prices and impact on food security.

Brazil supplies 92% of all imported MDM to South Africa, with an average of 18 000 t having been imported every month over the last 12 months. These imports are vital in the production of processed meat products such as polony and sausages.

South Africa does not produce commercial MDM locally, and there are no viable alternative markets to replace the volume currently imported from Brazil.

“Poultry products, including MDM, bone-in pieces and other affordable cuts, are staples for many South African families. A blanket ban on Brazilian imports will lead to sharp increases in the prices of these products, pushing them out of reach for many, particularly those in low-income communities.

“This would exacerbate food insecurity at a time when consumers are already facing high inflation and economic pressures.  Coupled with this are the potential job losses arising from the unavailability of MDM product required to keep the meat processing facilities running,” Mothebe emphasises.

Instead, adopting a regionalisation approach in line with global best practices would allow South Africa to continue importing safe poultry products from unaffected regions in Brazil.

Mothebe says this targeted measure can mitigate risks and ensure that the flow of vital protein sources to South African consumers is maintained.

“Brazil’s contribution to South Africa’s poultry market is crucial not only for MDM but for a range of poultry products consumed across the economic spectrum,” Mothebe adds.

The AMIE believes this approach could strike the right balance between safeguarding public health, protecting jobs and consumers from spiralling food costs.

Regionalisation is a well-established concept that would benefit the country, especially considering government’s often slow pace in reopening closed markets after bird flu outbreaks, the AMIE says.

"We cannot afford to cut off our primary supply market without a viable alternative in place.

“The stakes are simply too high for South African consumers. Poultry import markets in France, several US states and the Netherlands remain closed to South Africa long after their respective outbreaks have been contained,” Mothebe points out, adding that these kinds of delays in decision-making place further strain on local supply and drive up consumer costs.

The AMIE is urging the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development to work collaboratively with industry stakeholders to develop an effective, transparent and expedited response that prioritises consumer protection and food security.

The AMIE has stated its commitment to engaging with government to find a sustainable and balanced solution that serves the best interests of South Africa.