Cape Town – The South African Poultry Association (Sapa) is reportedly urging the government to open borders to allow egg imports from neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola, and Malawi due to an egg shortage in the country.
Approximately six million layer hens have been culled, and three million more are suspected to be affected by the crisis.
According to The Citizen, Sapa welcomes the Agriculture Minister’s announcement to allow the import of fertile eggs for hatcheries, powdered, and liquid eggs, which will help alleviate the shortage.
“These are good steps to assist the industry during this crisis. Under normal circumstances, the South African egg industry has about 27 million hens providing eggs daily. Unfortunately, about six million of those layer hens were culled, with another three million suspected to be affected,” the report quoted Dr Abongile Balarane of Sapa as saying.
Meanwhile, egg importer Hume International calls for legislative intervention to address the egg shortage and suggests that South Africa needs to reconsider its regulations regarding imported eggs.
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Current regulations prohibit the sale of imported eggs after 40 days from the date of hatching, even though well-refrigerated eggs can remain edible for up to six months.
Earlier this month, retailer Spar said it was exploring the possibility of importing eggs from several Southern African countries to address the current egg supply shortage.
Due to the avian flu outbreak, egg prices have risen significantly in South Africa, with some retailers like Woolworths and Pick n Pay implementing rationing measures, IOL reported.
Spar said it was actively collaborating with suppliers and exploring various opportunities to ensure a consistent egg supply and reduce risks associated with shortages.
“This diversification strategy includes discussions with several Southern African countries to potentially import eggs,” the report quoted Jacques Roets, divisional commodities manager for the Spar Group as saying.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
