Here’s what to know about the avian influenza outbreak
Consumers are met with empty shelves as they scramble to find eggs at some of the retail stores.
As consumers scramble to find eggs on the shelves at some of the retail stores due to the current outbreak of avian influenza, we speak to Jacques Roets, a divisional commodities manager from the Spar Group after we learned that one of its stores in Broadacres experience shortages of eggs.
Roets admits that the outbreak has significantly impacted some of their egg producers, which resulted in limited stock availability, and creating a demand and supply challenge. However, Spar is closely monitoring the situation.
“While we are unsure as to when egg supply will normalise, we are taking our lead from the South African Poultry Association (SAPA) and working closely with our approved private label suppliers and partners to secure stock that aligns with our normal average customer demand.
“In addition, we are actively collaborating with bigger suppliers and exploring new opportunities to ensure a consistent egg supply and further reduce risk. This diversification strategy includes discussions with several southern African countries to potentially import eggs, bolstering our commitment to minimise disruptions and meet our customers’ needs during this time,” said Roets.
He added: “We are also actively managing food safety and quality standards through rigorous control measures, as well as controlling stock levels through constant inventory monitoring, adjusting of order quantities as needed, and maintaining a well-balanced supply chain.
One of the residents, Kate Ndona said she was heartbroken when she couldn’t tick off a tray of 30 eggs from her grocery list. She is also confused as to why there are expensive at some of the retail stores.
“Honestly, it is now a luxury to have eggs in your cupboard because what was that? Otherwise, what broke my heart is the fact that my mother loves boiled eggs and the kids want them in everything. I thought maybe the shop ran out of stock but when I went to another store, I could not believe the price tag.”
While Alex Hunga asked what is bird flu, “I heard people talking about it on social media but could not understand what they were on about. But now that you have explained, I understand. It makes sense why I could not find them anywhere. Again, I am confused that prices increase, but our income remains the same. Where is the balance?”
South African Poultry’s Izaak Breitenbach said there is no need for people to panic about being infected by the virus because it only affects poultry.
“I can also mention that if a flock contracts the disease the flock is culled on site and disposed of on site and all eggs destroyed. Thus no bird or egg that was affected by the disease will enter the food supply chain at all thus chicken and eggs are safe.
“Nothing will happen if a person comes in contact with an affected live bird that is because all birds are culled on the farm if they are sick and eggs destroyed the public will not come in contact with the virus. The symptom in chickens when they get the disease is mortality. If birds are infected they get culled and disposed of on site.”
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