Does South Africa ban all imports from Brazil? Does South Africa ban imports only from those areas affected by bird flu? Or does it allow imports of products like mechanically deboned meat (MDM) but on condition is it heat treated before or after import into South Africa?
In an article in the latest Poultry Bulletin, official journal of the SA Poultry Association (SAPA), Izaak Breitenbach explained that these three options were under discussion at the moment. However, unless a new policy is approved, all Brazilian poultry imports will be banned as soon as any commercial flock is affected by bird flu.
Brazil is one of the few big poultry producing countries not hit by bird flu. Many regard it as only a matter of time, which is why those options matter.
MDM makes up 60% of Brazil’s poultry exports to South Africa. It is a paste used in the production of processed meats such as polony and sausages. It is imported in large quantities, mainly from Brazil. South Africa imported R2 billion worth of MDM in 2022 and imports in 2023 were even higher.
“Importers are lobbying in advance for that trade to continue if Brazil is hit by bird flu,” Breitenbach said.
“Brazil and Argentina have asked South Africa to allow MDM to be heat treated on arrival, which could lead to potentially infected meat landing in this country.” This has been rejected by the South African department of agriculture, which has said it will only allow MDM into the country if it has been heat-treated prior to export.
“Compartmentalisation is another possibility. Brazil would have to apply for the country to be divided into different poultry regions, each to be treated separately in the event of a bird flu outbreak. This would allow exports from disease-free compartments.
“Unless and until that is approved, all Brazilian poultry imports will be banned in the event of a bird flu outbreak,” Breitenbach stated.
