REFROZEN CHICKEN

South Africans awoke to another chicken story which heralds in a new round in the blame game.

It is alleged that frozen chickens which are past their sell by expiry dates are being repackaged by poultry producers for resale.

Find below our response to the media stating our position in this matter.

We take this opportunity of wishing you safe travel and peace during this year end holiday period.

Was Salaam
Yours sincerely

For South African National Halaal Authority
EBI Lockhat

Public Relations Officer
Tel: +27 (31) 207 5768
Fax: +27 (31) 207 5793
Website: www.sanha.org.za

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From: Public Relations [mailto:pro-kzn@sanha.org.za]
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2010 1:14 PM
To: 'sibusiso.nkomo@inl.co.za'
Subject: RE: Resold Frozen Chicken

Dear Mr. Nkomo

Thank you for your email of 20/12/2010.

Our seriatim response is shown below in red.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further clarification.

Kind regards

Yours sincerely
For South African National Halaal Authority

EBI Lockhat
Public Relations Officer

Tel: +27 (31) 207 5768
Fax: +27 (31) 207 5793
Cell: +27 (0) 83 777 0121
Website: www.sanha.org.za

From: Sibusiso Nkomo [mailto:sibusiso.nkomo@inl.co.za]
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2010 10:51 AM
To: 'pro-kzn@sanha.org.za'
Subject: RE:Resold Frozen Chicken

Dear Mr Lockhat

The Cape Argus is following up reports that consumers have been buying old frozen chicken that has been repackaged by producers.

The following companies have been named: Supreme Chicken, Rainbow Chicken, Country Bird.

We would like your comment on the story. Is this acceptable?

We are not aware of any ?expired product? being reworked and packaged for human consumption.

Any practice which is in conflict with Divine law or violates the right of consumers in respect of food safety, hygiene and quality is most definitely not acceptable.

We also want to know if these companies are certified by your organisation.

The Rainbow plant in Hammarsdale Kwa Zulu Natal is certified by SANHA. The other companies named in your query including the Rainbow Rustenburg and Worcester plants are certified by the Muslim Judicial Council Halaal Trust.

What is the procedure to make sure chicken is halaal and is there an expiry date of the certification.

The procedures for ensuring that chickens are Halaal are governed by an agreement which includes interalia processes of slaughter, supervision, monitoring, inspection, audits etc of the plant.

The certification of any facility is renewed annually.

Will you withdraw your certification of these products?

The withdrawal of Halaal certification of any product can only be undertaken if the criteria for Halaal is compromised.

Kind Regards,

Sibusiso Nkomo
Reporter
Cape Argus
Independent Newspapers Cape
E: sibusiso.nkomo@inl.co.za