These latest amendments means total brine injection allowed for whole carcases is limited to a maximum of 10%, compared to the maximum of 8% previously prescribed. Total brine injection allowed for individual portions is now limited to maximum of 15%, whereas no limit was previously prescribed.
The amendments also state poultry product names must now include a true description of any product with added ingredients, such as ‘chicken with brine’ or ‘sweet ’n’ sour marinated chicken drumsticks’.
Producers must regularly perform tests to ensure compliance with the new water uptake and injection limits, and must keep records for at least one year, the rules now state.
These amendments will be phased in over a period of six months to allow for producers to gradually adjust the levels of brine injection and to bring the labelling of these products in line with the new requirements.
“The department remains committed to ensuring that these regulations are enforced, the quality of poultry meat is maintained and that consumers are enabled to make informed decisions about the poultry meat products they buy,” Zokwana said.
However, the South African Poultry Association warned the new rules could harm the industry. “We want regulations that are technically valid, enforceable and economically realistic,” SAPA chief executive Kevin Lovell told Bloomberg Business. “The current draft does not fit those criteria. Our business will get smaller and sell less, then the price will start to rise in the supermarkets where people buy.”