South Africa has taken a significant policy turn by partially lifting its recent ban on poultry imports from Brazil. This decision comes in response to rising fears of a looming shortage of affordable meat products in the country, which threatened to escalate into a national food security crisis. The ban, which was initially put in place due to an outbreak of avian influenza in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul region, had caused concern among South African food processors, retailers, and low-income consumers alike.
The banned product, known as mechanically deboned meat (MDM), is a critical input in the manufacturing of processed meat products such as viennas, polony, Russians, and braaiwors. Brazil has been South Africa’s dominant supplier, accounting for over 90% of MDM imports. With this vital supply cut off for several weeks, local processors found themselves grappling with halted production, empty shelves, and potential job losses. Industry leaders estimated that more than 100 million affordable meals were at risk of disappearing from the market each week as a result of the ban.
This disruption could not have come at a worse time. The South African poultry sector was already under pressure from internal disease outbreaks and the recent collapse of a major poultry producer. In addition, many South African families are already food-insecure, especially in lower-income communities. The absence of budget-friendly protein options like processed chicken products would have deepened the challenges for millions of households across the country.
Recognising the gravity of the situation, the South African Department of Agriculture revised its stance and opted for a more targeted approach. Starting from June 19, 2025, the government began allowing poultry imports from Brazilian regions unaffected by the avian flu outbreak. This policy shift, known as regionalisation, means that only products from the infected Rio Grande do Sul region remain restricted, while imports from other safe regions can resume. This move reflects a more flexible and science-based approach to disease management in global trade.
The partial lifting of the ban was widely welcomed by stakeholders in the meat and poultry industry. Associations representing importers, processors, and retailers applauded the government’s decision, emphasising that it was essential to protect both jobs and access to affordable food. Companies had warned that without urgent intervention, the shortage could lead to shutdowns, job losses, and rising prices for basic meat products.
Moreover, industry groups are now urging the government to further diversify the country’s poultry import sources. They have proposed opening up new trade channels with other countries such as France, Belgium, and Sweden, which currently meet international health standards. By doing so, South Africa could reduce its overreliance on any single supplier and build more resilience into its food supply chain.
South Africa’s partial lifting of the poultry ban demonstrates the importance of responsive and balanced policy-making during times of crisis. By prioritizing public nutrition, economic stability, and biosecurity, the country has made a crucial step in averting a national food shortage. However, continued monitoring and broader trade diversification will be essential in ensuring long-term stability in the poultry and processed meat sectors.
