SAPA brought the case to the North Gauteng High Court, where it contested that the amended poultry meat brining regulations, published on 22 April 2016, were unlawful and irrational. North Gauteng High Court Judge HJ Fabricus dismissed the application made by SAPA with costs.

The contested amendments relate to the cap on total brine injection into poultry meat of 10 per cent for a whole carcass and 15 per cent for individual quick portions.

SAPA sought an order reviewing and setting aside the amended poultry meat regulations. The organisation also wanted to suspend the implementation of the regulations until eight weeks after the grant of an order in the review application.

Minister Zokwana said the judgement confirms that the interests of consumers and the need to advance fair trade practices is paramount.

“Indeed, this judgement advances fair competition between producers and traders of poultry meat products,” said Minister Zokwana.