The South African government has partially lifted its ban on poultry imports from Brazil, allowing trade to resume from all states except Rio Grande do Sul.
The announcement was made by the Department of Agriculture on June 18, with the revised import conditions taking effect the following day.
Authorities in Brazil have confirmed that the avian influenza outbreak is confined to Rio Grande do Sul, enabling the rest of the country to be deemed safe for trade.
The South African Meat Processors Association (Sampa) welcomed the move, saying it would prevent shortages of processed meat products like polony, viennas, and bangers, which rely heavily on imported mechanically deboned chicken.
Brazil is one of South Africa’s top suppliers of this type of poultry meat, used widely by local manufacturers to produce affordable protein options.
Sampa noted that the import restrictions, which were introduced on May 16, had put pressure on processors and threatened the availability of budget-friendly meat products in supermarkets.
The association credited swift government intervention with averting a broader crisis, while calling attention to the role of key officials who handled the issue with urgency.
The Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE) also backed the decision, describing the regional approach to managing avian flu-related trade risks as a practical way to keep the poultry market stable.
According to AMIE, South African consumers rely heavily on imported poultry to maintain consistent access to affordable protein, particularly during supply disruptions.
The group has called on the government to expedite the signing of a regional health certificate agreement with Brazil, which would prevent full national bans in future disease events.
Brazilian authorities have reportedly submitted a draft certificate to South Africa’s agriculture department, but it has yet to be finalised.
AMIE is urging officials from both countries to complete the process without further delays to reduce vulnerability in the supply chain.
Beyond Brazil, the association also wants the government to reopen poultry import channels from European countries like France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark.
These countries remain barred from exporting poultry to South Africa despite reportedly having contained earlier outbreaks and being cleared by the World Organisation for Animal Health.
AMIE argues that reopening these markets would help diversify supply sources and reduce the risk of local shortages and price hikes, especially for low-income consumers.
Source: www.foodbusinessmea.com
