Oratile Tshabalala carefully picks through the beef and lamb pack at her local Shoprite in Dobsonville, Soweto. Red meat is a staple in her household, from affordable stewing beef for weekday meals to lamb chops on weekends and special occasions.
With news about foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) filling the radio and TV, she hesitates before placing a pack in her trolley.“I just don’t want to make my kids sick,” she says, lifting a pack of ground beef. “But I also don’t want to stop eating meat.”
The Tshabalalas don’t need to worry, though. Red meat is still safe to eat. FMD only affects animals with cloven hooves, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, and cannot spread to or affect humans. Meat sold through trusted shops and inspected by authorities is perfectly safe, healthy, and ready to enjoy at the family table.
Chief executive of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation, Dr Frikkie Maré, highlights that FMD is not a zoonosis. This is a big scientific word that basically means the disease only affects animals, and not humans.
“The reason animals are quarantined while they have the virus and do not get slaughtered while positive is to prevent the spread of the disease to other animals,” Maré explains.
“Since it is a highly contagious virus, it can be spread if infected products are discarded in a way that allows other cloven-hoofed animals to come into contact with them. The chances of it spreading that way are very slim, but it does exist.”
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Maré also highlighted the checks in place to ensure only healthy animals enter the food chain. Farmers submit a health declaration for all animals sent for slaughter, confirming they are fit and that all medication withdrawal periods have been observed.
“Not only due to FMD, but any animal that is unhealthy at the time of slaughter does not sound appetising for consumers,” he adds.
Vaccination and biosecurity
Meanwhile, a major vaccination drive is underway across South Africa, reaching both large commercial farms and smaller communal farms in all the provinces. Consumers are also worried about the possible effects of the vaccine on the meat of vaccinated animals. The vaccines are, however, safe and undergo approval processes before they can be imported and used. Millions of doses are being administered.
Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, CEO of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), says Section 21 authorisation is a process that scientifically screens and allows vaccines not registered in South Africa to be imported into the country. This enables the government, farmers and veterinarians to obtain safe, scientifically approved vaccines to protect animals against this highly contagious disease.
Dr Bothle Modisane, chief director for animal health at the department of agriculture, adds that every vaccine authorised for use is evaluated for safety, quality, and effectiveness against locally circulating strains. “Our collaboration with SAHPRA reflects the importance of partnerships in safeguarding animal health,” he said.
For families like the Tshabalalas in Soweto, these efforts mean they can continue to enjoy red meat without fear. Properly handled beef, lamb, mutton, and goat remain safe to eat, while the vaccination campaigns and strict oversight give confidence that the animals on their plates are healthy and responsibly raised.
“It feels good to know we can still enjoy our meals without worrying,” Nomsa says, placing her selection in the trolley. Even amid the FMD outbreak, South Africans can trust that red meat remains wholesome, safe, and ready for the family table.
This story is part of a special series in partnership with the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) – a tribute to the farmers feeding our nation, one meal at a time.
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