Minister Senzeni Zokwana welcomes the court judgment – South Africa Poultry Association vs the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Judge H.J. Fabricus delivered his judgment on the 21st September 2016 in the North Gauteng High Court in relation to the case (Case number: 39597/2016) that was brought by the South Africa Poultry Association (SAPA) against the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. S
APA contested that the amended poultry meat regulations, which were published on the 22nd April 2016, were unlawful and irrational. The contested amendments relate to the cap of total brine injection of 10 and 15 percent for the whole carcasses and individual quick portions respectively.
In terms of the amended notice of motion, SAPA sought an order reviewing and setting aside the amended Poultry meat regulations. Furthermore, an order was sought suspending the implementation of the Regulations until eight weeks after the grant of an order in the review application. Judge Fabricus gave a 45 page well-reasoned and progressive judgment where the application made by SAPA was dismissed with costs.
The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries accepts and welcomes this judgment; it confirms that the interest of the consumers and the need to advance fair trade practices is paramount. Indeed, this judgment advances fair competition between producers and traders of poultry meat products.
For further information please contact:
Bomikazi Molapo
Cell: 079 698 2114
E-Mail:BomikaziM@daff.gov.za
