South Africa lifts ban on Brazilian chicken and MDM imports

The Department of Agriculture has officially lifted the ban on Brazilian mechanically deboned meat (MDM) and chicken imports, effective July 8, 2025. The ban was imposed on May 15 after a case of bird flu was detected on a farm in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul.

The suspension had cut off 95% of South Africa's MDM supply, leading to significant shortages and price increases. With the ban lifted, Brazilian MDM and chicken produced after June 18 are now eligible for export to South Africa, pending inspections at the borders.

MDM prices jumped 140% during the ban, and the shortages affected millions of meals, putting pressure on school feeding programmes and food processors. Food inflation, job losses, and food security concerns are expected to persist.

Regionalisation protocol

Merlog Foods, a major importer of chicken and chilled meats, welcomes the agreement but warns that a similar situation could recur if another bird flu outbreak occurs in Brazil. To prevent future disruptions, Merlog Foods urges the Department of Agriculture to negotiate a regionalisation protocol with Brazil.

This would allow unaffected areas to continue exporting MDM and chicken in the event of an isolated outbreak.

Imports are expected to resume in the week of July 14. It will take 6-8 weeks to ramp up production, restore shipping schedules, and replenish supply chains, but MDM prices are likely to remain elevated until November 2025.

The industry is relieved that the immediate crisis has been resolved, but a long-term solution is necessary to prevent future disruptions.