Concern grows as avian flu outbreak in South Africa threatens Namibia’s poultry industry

NAMIBIA – The Poultry Producers’ Association (PPA) has issued an alarm over continued chicken imports from South Africa amid a severe avian flu outbreak in the neighboring country. The PPA has expressed deep concern that this unchecked importation poses a grave risk to Namibia’s poultry sector. “We are deeply concerned that the avian flu could be introduced into Namibia, with…

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South African scientists issue Listeria warning as beef sector contamination raises concerns

SOUTH AFRICA – In a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Pretoria (UP), South African scientists have raised alarm bells over the presence of Listeria in the beef sector, sparking fears of a potential outbreak. The research, spanning from 2019 to 2020, examined the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in beef and beef products at various stages of…

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South Africa invites public feedback on proposed labeling regulations

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africans are being urged to provide feedback on the draft Regulations Relating to the Labeling and Advertising of Foodstuffs, which was recently made available for public comment after being gazetted by the Department of Health (DoH) in January 2023.  Consumers may find it difficult to read and understand the current information on food containers, which can…

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Woolworths recalls chicken viennas in South Africa, Botswana over cross-contamination

SOUTH AFRICA/BOTSWANA – Online retailer Woolworths has announced a recall of its Smoked Chicken Viennas, Cocktail Chicken Viennas, and Halaal Smoked Chicken Viennas with the sell-by date of 27 May 2023 due to cross-contamination with an allergen. A defect in the production line resulted in cross-contamination of milk protein between Chicken Viennas and Chicken and Cheese Viennas. “We, along with…

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Quantum Foods culls 420,000 birds due to avian flu outbreak, warns of potential egg supply crunch

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s largest egg producer, Quantum Foods has reduced the population of chicken by 420,000 at one of its farms in the Western Cape due to an outbreak of avian influenza warning on egg production reduction. Quantum said the outbreak affected the Lemoenkloof layer farm and the nearby farms, along with a direct cost of R34 million,…

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Highly pathogenic avian influenza detected in South Africa’s Western Cape Province

SOUTH AFRICA – The Western Cape Veterinary Services has issued a warning to poultry farmers in the Paardeberg region, notably in the Drakenstein and Swartland Local Municipalities after confirming the discovery of avian influenza in two commercial layer farms that has so far claimed the lives of 120 000 birds. The first outbreak was confirmed on Friday, 21 April, and…

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Engen FoodPure launches new range of food-grade lubricants

SOUTH AFRICA – Engen FoodPure, an African-based energy group, has launched a range of food-grade lubricants designed to meet the specific needs of the bakery, butchery, packaging, beverage, sugar, and food processing industries. Food safety, as well as the conditions and upkeep of processing environments, are now more crucial than ever in the wake of the COVID-19 disaster that began…

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South Africa’s National Council of Provinces seeks comments for its Agricultural Product Standards Amendment Bill

SOUTH AFRICA – The South African Agricultural Product Standards Amendment Bill, which is expected to become law after being adopted by the national legislature in February 2023, is subject to public consultation through the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). The bill, which was introduced in parliament in August 2021, aims to enhance food safety by tightening regulations on the sales…

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Competition Commission South Africa publishes Fresh Produce Market Inquiry Terms of Reference

SOUTH AFRICA – The Competition Commission South Africa (CCSA) has published the Fresh Produce Market Inquiry Terms of Reference, announcing its intention to conduct a market inquiry into the Fresh Produce Market of South Africa.  The market inquiry will start at least 20 business days after the Terms of Reference are published (ToR) and the final report will be published…

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South Africa releases draft labeling regulations envisioned to encourage better food choices

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s Department of Health has published a massive 238-page document referred to as the Regulations Relating to the Labelling and Advertising of Foodstuffs that seeks to make significant changes to the way food items are labeled on store shelves in South Africa. The proposed changes reinforce many of the regulations that are already in place in…

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