New chicken brine limit capped
The total brine allowed for individual portions of fresh and frozen poultry has been capped at 15%.
ANOTHER chicken storm is brewing as local poultry producers face harsh punishment if they fail to comply with new brine limits.
The poultry industry has six months to adjust to new maximum levels of brine, a fluid, which according to the industry, is injected into chicken and other meat products to retain succulence and flavour.
This follows the concessions on US imports to SA in January this year.
According to the new regulations, the total brine injection allowed for whole carcasses is limited to a maximum of 10%, up from the previously prescribed 8%.
However, the total brine allowed for individual portions of fresh and frozen poultry has been capped at 15%.
Producers in hot water
Poultry producers have come under criticism for injecting brine into chicken, which increases the perceived volume purchased by unsuspecting consumers.
The new rules, therefore state the product name must also include a true description of the added formulated solution.
In addition, producers will have to regularly perform tests to ensure compliance with the new water uptake and injection limits, and must keep records thereof for at least one year for auditing purposes.
These amendments will be phased in over a period of six months to allow for producers to adjust the levels of brine injection and to bring the labelling of these products in line with the new requirements.
No compliance, no sale
‘Poultry products found not compliant with the regulations will not be allowed to be offered for sale in South Africa,’ warned Bomikazi Molapo, spokesperson for Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Senzeni Zokwana.
Currently, the level of brine injected into individual portions of quick frozen meat is not set or regulated, and that distorts the playing field in terms of trade.
She said consumers would get more value for their money in that the product would be less diluted.
There was broad consensus on reducing brine levels but the South African Poultry Association was the only participant that did not support the new limit.
Rise in price
Sapa CEO Kevin Lovell warned in a statement the new regulations would make chicken unaffordable for poor consumers.
‘Given the economic crisis facing SA today, these regulations symbolise the beginning of a major contraction in our industry at a time when the country cannot afford contraction in any industry,’ said Lovell.
Information sourced from Fin24.
