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The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries today received a briefing from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) on the National Food and Nutrition Security Plan 2017-2022. It emerged after reports in the media over the weekend that South Africa was receiving imports of meat which Brazilian producers have covered in carcinogenic chemicals to mask the smell of the rotting meat.

The department responded it had written to its Brazilian counterparts to provide an official report and to recall all meat en route to South Africa.  It is possible that there are shipments already at the ports of Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. The Minister has issued a directive for the rigorous testing of all meat coming from Brazil, particularly poultry and that the standard operating procedures be followed.

The Committee has requested the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to investigate and report back to the Committee at the next meeting. At this stage it is unconfirmed if South African officials are involved in the bribery of inspectors, said the department.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson, Ms Rosina Machwene Semenya