Somali Magazine – In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the fast-food industry, American fast-food chain KFC has temporarily closed all its branches in Lesotho. This drastic measure comes in the wake of Lesotho’s ban on poultry imports from neighboring South Africa, which is currently grappling with outbreaks of bird flu.
The ban on poultry imports is a preventive measure taken by the authorities in Lesotho to curb the spread of the deadly bird flu. However, this decision has severely impacted KFC’s supply chain, as the fast-food giant sources its poultry from South African farms.
In a statement, KFC Lesotho said, “Our supply chain has been severely impacted due to unexpected government regulations”. The company further explained that its poultry comes from South African farms, which are “tested independently and daily” to ensure they are free from the bird flu. KFC Lesotho expressed hope that it would be able to reopen its branches soon after reaching a resolution with Lesotho’s authorities.
South Africa is currently dealing with one of its worst bird flu outbreaks, forcing poultry farmers to kill seven million egg-laying hens. The outbreak has also caused a significant shortage in the supply of eggs and chicken meat in the country. The disease has now spread to Mozambique, where more than 45,000 hens have been slaughtered, burnt, and buried in the southern Inhambane province.
The closure of KFC outlets in Lesotho underscores the far-reaching impacts of the bird flu outbreak. It not only affects the poultry industry but also has significant implications for related sectors, such as the fast-food industry. As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes are on how these industries and the authorities respond to this crisis.