Woolworths and Pick n Pay have taken measures to manage the ongoing avian influenza outbreak, which is causing disruptions in the supply of eggs in South Africa. The outbreak, which is considered the worst ever, has led these retailers to implement restrictions on egg purchases by customers.
According to News24, Woolworths, in response to inquiries, announced that it has implemented a temporary limit of six eggs per customer in its stores. They are reportedly collaborating with their farmers to ensure a steady supply of eggs is restored as quickly as possible.
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Reports from News24 over the weekend highlighted the challenges faced by retailers in securing egg supplies due to the outbreak of H5 and H7 strains of bird flu, particularly in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Woolworths acknowledged that it is encountering significant supply difficulties, similar to others in the market, necessitating the decision to restrict egg purchases.
They expressed appreciation for their customers’ patience and understanding during this challenging period. The company said that it is communicating this rationing initiative to all its stores, including online and Dash services. Furthermore, they are closely monitoring the avian flu situation both locally and internationally and adhering to strict biosecurity protocols to protect their hens.
Pick n Pay has also urged customers to shop responsibly and, depending on the region, is limiting egg purchases to one or two egg packs per customer.
‘We will continue to work closely with our suppliers to manage our stock so that we assist stores in areas where suppliers have been affected,’ it said in a statement.
South Africa’s largest retailer, Shoprite, has stated that it is not implementing egg rationing measures at this time.
The avian influenza crisis has prompted the minister of agriculture, land reform and rural development, Thoko Didiza, to meet with retailers to discuss its impact. Her department said in a statement that it has recognised that the primary challenge lies in egg production, with supply constraints in certain regions.
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To address this challenge, the minister is reportedly focusing on measures to enhance egg supply availability while also containing the spread of the disease. This includes improving the efficiency of issuing import permits for egg products to ensure an adequate supply for consumers.
The minister also discussed containment measures and potential short- and long-term solutions for managing outbreaks, including vaccination.
In the broiler segment of the poultry sector, Minister Didiza, along with the minister of trade, industry and competition, Ebrahim Patel, is exploring trade instruments to facilitate the supply of chicken meat, News24 reports.
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