Bird flu prompts temporary ban on Brazilian chicken
A
temporary ban has been placed on poultry imports from Brazil following an
outbreak of bird flu in parts in the South American country.
However, the Director of Animal Health in the Department of Agriculture said there is no cause for concern.
Dr Mpho Maja said only poultry products produced within 28 days prior to the outbreak are affected by the ban.
"Reason for 28 days is because according to the world organizations for animal health, avian influenza, incubation period is 14 days. So, it takes 14 days when a bird is inspected before it shows clinical signs," said Maja.
"So, we multiply that by two. So, products produced, 28 days back, are not being imported into the country."
READ: Call for regional approach to Brazil bird flu
Maja added that cooked chicken is safe to import because the virus is destroyed by heat.
However, Georg Southey from Durban-based Merlog Foods, suppliers of frozen chicken said the ban is putting 400 million meals at risk.
"School feeding schemes, vulnerable families, poor communities, they will soon be left hungry, due to a shortage of meals and food stuff on the supermarket shelves," said Southey.
"Merlog Foods urges the government to lift the blanket ban and allow imports from Brazil safe and disease-free regions in line with international best practice.
"Let us protect jobs, food security, and the right of every South African to eat."
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