Poultry Ban Sparks Food Crisis Fears and Job Losses in South Africa

South Africa’s poultry industry is under pressure following a government-imposed ban on chicken imports from Brazil, a move that may put over 30,000 jobs at risk and deepen the country’s food insecurity crisis.

The Department of Agriculture suspended all imports of live poultry, eggs, and fresh or frozen chicken products from Brazil after reports of a highly pathogenic avian flu outbreak in Rio Grande do Sul. While the outbreak is currently limited to that region, South Africa opted for a blanket ban, halting the flow of affordable protein to millions.

Georg Southey, manager at food distributor Merlog Foods, warns that the ban could trigger one of South Africa’s most significant food security emergencies in recent memory. “Without swift action, we’re looking at a shortfall of around 400 million meals a month,” Southey said. “That’s about seven meals per person gone.”

Job Losses and Soaring Prices

The suspension doesn’t just impact nutrition—it jeopardizes livelihoods. Roughly 30,000 jobs in food processing, logistics, and manufacturing are now in limbo. According to the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE), Brazil supplies over 84% of poultry imports to South Africa. That includes mechanically deboned meat, an essential ingredient in low-cost staples like polony, viennas, and sausages.

“The full ban will hit the most vulnerable—especially children in school feeding programs and low-income households already struggling to afford protein,” said AMIE CEO Imameleng Mothebe.

Calls for a Smarter Strategy

Southey and other stakeholders are calling for a more measured approach—one that follows the lead of countries like Japan and Namibia, which adopted regional bans rather than nationwide restrictions. Brazil has already implemented surveillance and is sharing real-time data to ensure transparency.

“This isn’t about downplaying the risk,” Southey explained. “It’s about being strategic. There’s no reason to block imports from Brazilian provinces that remain virus-free.”

Time is of the essence. South Africa reportedly has just over two weeks’ worth of poultry reserves left in some categories, and without new supply routes or lifted restrictions, each lost week adds another 100 million meals to the deficit.

What Happens Next?

Industry leaders are urging the Department of Agriculture to urgently reassess the ban and consider regionalisation protocols to protect both public health and national food security.

Without a policy shift or alternative suppliers stepping in, South Africa could soon face shortages that reach beyond the dinner table—impacting the economy, public health, and national stability.

SA’s Processed Chicken Crisis: Brazil Poultry Ban Sparks Fears of Soaring Prices and Hunger

{Source: IOL}

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