Brazil is seeking to reverse an EU decision to suspend exports of “animal” origin from the South American country linked to restrictions on anti-microbial substances.
Government representatives are meeting with their EU counterparts today (13 May) after receiving notice yesterday that Brazil had been removed from the list of those “authorised to export animal products intended for human consumption” from 3 September.
A joint statement from Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFE), its Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) and the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC) noted “surprise” at the announcement.
“The Brazilian government will promptly take all necessary measures to reverse this decision, reinstate its status on the list of authorised countries, and ensure the continued flow of these products to the European market, to which it has exported for 40 years,” yesterday’s statement read.
The Brazilian ministries said the EU decision was taken yesterday by way of a vote by the European Commission’s Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, which “approved an update to this list”.
That update was acknowledged by the Commission in its rolling daily news update yesterday, although Brazil was not specifically named.
“Under EU rules, the use of anti-microbials in livestock for growth or yield purposes is not allowed, nor can animals be treated with anti-microbials reserved for human infections,” the Commission said.
“The list of third countries which comply with EU requirements and therefore can export food-producing animals to the EU, will be formally adopted in the coming days, and the rules on imports will apply from 3 September 2026.”
Contacted by Just Food today, the Commission provided some additional information pertaining to Brazil from spokesperson Eva Hrncirova.
“The Commission confirms that Brazil is not included in the list, meaning that it can no longer export to the EU commodities (both food producing live animals and derived products) such as bovine, equine, poultry, eggs, aquaculture, honey and casings, with effect as from 3 September 2026,” Hrncirova said.
To comply with EU rules, Brazil “must ensure compliance with the Union requirements on the use of anti-microbials for the entire lifetime of the animals that the exported products originate from”, Hrncirova added.
According to the UK-based Microbiology Society, anti-microbial is an “umbrella term for anything that inhibits or kills microbes including antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals”.
The Brazil ministries said the country’s animal product exports are currently “proceeding normally” ahead of today’s meeting between the Brazilian Delegation to the European Union and the bloc’s officials seeking an explanation.
The statement added: “With a robust and internationally recognised sanitary system, Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of animal protein and the main supplier of agricultural products to the European market.”
According to Commission data, Brazil’s total agri-food exports into the EU amounted to €18.59bn ($21.76bn) last year. Beef and veal accounted for €715m and poultry and eggs combined €669m. “Other” animal products were worth a further €214m.
The EU’s list of countries authorised to export products of animal origin intended for human consumption pertains to “restrictions on the use of certain anti-microbial medicinal products laid down in Article 118(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6”.
Separate entries are included on the list for a range of animal-derived products such as beef (bovine), lamb (ovine), pork (porcine), horse meat (equine), poultry, and “aquaculture”. Milk, eggs, rabbit and honey are also on the list.
Hrncirova added: “We have closely engaged with the Brazilian authorities on this issue and will continue contact to work towards their compliance with these requirements. Once compliance is demonstrated, the EU will be able to authorise the exports.”
“Brazil contests EU planned suspension on “animal” product imports” was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.
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