DAFF suspends imports of meat from establishments suspected to be involved in the Brazil meat scandal
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) of the Republic of South Africa has requested the Brazilian authority to provide official information and a list of establishments that have been identified in the issue raised in the media regarding unsafe meat being exported to various countries, which could include South Africa. DAFF has also advised the Brazilian authority to ban all exportation of meat from such establishments until the issue has been resolved to the satisfaction of the South African Veterinary Authority.
It is not known how many consignments may have already left Brazil and are on their way to South Africa, however, DAFF is in the process of ensuring that the establishments implicated are suspended from exporting meat to South Africa until the Brazilian Veterinary Authority have fully investigated the matter and can give the necessary assurances for compliance to the South African requirements for importation of meat into South Africa.
DAFF officials at all ports of entry which receives meat have been instructed to test every container of meat from Brazil using the existing policies regarding testing of consignments. Consignments arriving at the ports of entry in South Africa may be tested microbiologically for organisms such as Salmonella.
DAFF wishes to assure the consumers that the officials at ports of entry have always been vigilant on meat imports from any country to ensure compliance with sanitary requirements which are put in place to protect both the consumers and animals against food safety hazards and animal diseases respectively.
For media enquiries contact:
Ms Makenosi Maroo
Chief Director: Communication Services
Tel: 012 319 6787
Cell: 072 475 2956
E-mail: MakenosiM@daff.gov.za
