The European Union will suspend imports of Brazilian meat and other animal products from Thursday over concerns that Brazil is not providing sufficient guarantees that its exports comply with the bloc’s rules on antibiotic use and animal health.
The European Commission said Brazil has failed to demonstrate that its food-producing animals and products of animal origin meet EU requirements designed to prevent the misuse of antibiotics in livestock farming. The suspension will cover poultry, meat, eggs, honey and other products intended for human consumption.
“Brazil will no longer be authorized to export to the Union food-producing animals and products of animal origin intended for human consumption,” a Commission spokeswoman told AFP.
Brussels did not give a timetable for when Brazilian imports could resume, saying the process will depend on how quickly Brazil can demonstrate that it meets EU requirements.
Brazil was placed on an EU list in May of countries considered not to be complying with rules governing antibiotic use in animals. An EU audit of Brazil's poultry and honey sectors is expected to conclude Friday, and if its findings are positive and EU member states approve them, poultry exports could potentially resume within weeks. Beef shipments could take longer.
