The chicken import industry has come out with all guns blazing about the local producers getting increases in the maximum levels of brining allowed in SA-grown chickens – and still asking for more. Just battered by increased duties pushing up the prices of chicken imports, the importers are now seeing local chicken producers due to be getting increased brine contents. Weight for weight that means imports look more expensive. But, with brining, you’re actually getting less chicken for your money when buying locally grown birds. Braaiing fans will know that marinating meats in a saltwater solution tenderises and preserves the meat and adds flavour. But according to Dave Wolpert, CEO of the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (Amie), that marinating is a matter of choice. But consumers have no choice about the brining by the local chicken industry. It has the unwelcome spin-off of adding the saltwater mass which is sold as “chicken” to the consumer. This issue was first brought to FTW’s attention by Trade Intelligence, which informed us that the department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries (Daff) had upped the maximum level of brining permitted in poultry from 8% to 10% for whole birds and 15% for individual portions. Wolpert confirmed this, but said that the new maxima would only be implemented in 12 months’ time. However, TI added, the local poultry industry still remains unhappy, pushing for a 25% minimum. According to Wolpert, it has also been reported that the local chicken producers are going to fight for this 25% minimum in court. “We will oppose the local industry in the court,” Wolpert told FTW. “AMIE is, and always has been, totally opposed to the blatant abuse of consumers by excessive brining and welcomes the new limits as set by Daff. “While we would have preferred even lower limits, which clearly would be in the interest of consumers, we believe that the recent decision by Daff is very encouraging and will certainly reduce consumer abuse for commercial gain.” Said Wolpert: “It is clear that current levels of brining in SA are extremely harmful to consumers while at the same time they represent commercial abuse of these same consumers. “We urge Daff not to bow to the pressure being exerted by certain local poultry producers whose aim is to have the new limits raised. AMIE would totally support any new measures that limit commercial greed in the interests of the health and welfare of SA consumers.”
