Popular Cape Town butchery Good Hope Meat Hyper has cautioned its customers about a potential beef shortage following a confirmed case of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) at the Karan Beef feedlot in Heidelberg, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The halal-certified meat supplier issued a statement on Wednesday, advising shoppers that supply constraints may temporarily affect the availability and pricing of beef products.
‘Good Hope Meat Hyper has been informed of a confirmed case of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) at the Karan feedlot facility in Heidelberg, as officially announced by Karan Beef on 2 June 2025,’ said Good Hope Meat Hyper in its statement.
‘In response to the outbreak, precautionary quarantine measures have been implemented, and while containment efforts are underway, this may lead to a temporary shortage of beef products across the market.’
Karan Beef, as reported by BusinessTech, is the largest beef producer in South Africa and plays a crucial role in providing South African retailers, butcheries and restaurants with beef.
A suspected FMD infection was detected on 30 May 2025, after which the feedlot was placed under a pre-emptive quarantine. Laboratory results confirmed the case on Monday, 2 June, as per Karan Beef’s statement that was released on the same day:
‘Karan Beef regrets to inform its stakeholders and the public that a case of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) has been confirmed at our feedlot in Heidelberg,’ read the statement.
‘This unfortunate development highlights the ongoing risks faced by the livestock industry, even under rigorous control systems. Karan Beef is working closely with State Veterinary Services to ensure swift containment and to minimise any further risk to the broader industry.’
To mitigate effects of the potential shortage, the butchery added that it is seeking alternative suppliers but urged customers to expect fluctuating prices and limited availability of its beef products during this time.
‘We understand that this news may raise concerns, and we want to reassure our loyal customers that Good Hope Meat Hyper remains committed to sourcing safe, Halaal and high-quality meat. We are actively working with alternative suppliers to secure stock and minimise disruptions wherever possible,’ the statement read.
‘We urge our customers to shop responsibly during this period and understand that availability may be limited and prices may fluctuate due to reduced supply. We appreciate your patience and continued support as the industry navigates this challenge,’ Good Hope Meat Hyper concluded.
In a later statement, the meat supplier reassured customers that it has taken every precaution to ensure its meat products are unaffected by the disease.
‘We have taken every precaution to ensure that all our meat products are sourced from reputable, certified suppliers and are completely free of Foot and Mouth Disease. You can continue shopping with confidence both in-store and online,’ said Good Hope Meat Hyper.
The butchery also added that ‘this disruption has impacted not only Good Hope Meat Hyper but the entire meat industry nationwide’.
While there is no risk to human health, FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals. An outbreak often has serious implications for trade, livestock movement and food supply chains.
In its latest update, released on Thursday, 5 June, Karan Beef confirmed the following:
- 2% of its herd is currently infected
- Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the outbreak
- No animals are entering or leaving the Heidelberg feedlot during this period.
- Vaccination efforts are pending availability from the State. Once initiated, a 14-day vaccination programme will commence, followed by a 14-day observation period
- A controlled slaughter-out process will be implemented once vaccinations are complete, under veterinary supervision
- No mass culling is planned at this stage
The livestock giant added that while the outbreak will impact the national beef supply chain, the industry will be able to continue at reduced capacity.
‘This outbreak comes at a critical time during weaning season and will impact the national beef supply chain. However, our national footprint allows us to continue operations at reduced capacity using unaffected facilities,’ the statement read.
‘We are working closely with veterinary authorities and following structured protocols to contain the outbreak with urgency and responsibility. While the animals are not severely ill, the control measures are substantial and impactful across the country.’
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Picture: Karan Beef / Facebook
