EU imposes restrictions on Brazilian beef
Following numerous complaints and protests made by European beef producers, including a sit-in protest by Irish farmers in November, claiming that Brazilian beef imports were subject to lesser safety regulations than beef produced within the EU, and a recent report put together by experts, the European Commission has endorsed a proposal to increase restrictions and controls on imports of beef from the South American country. As a result, effective January 31, beef will only be allowed to be imported from an approved and restricted list of holdings in Brazil which are fully in line with EU import requirements and which meet strict criteria.
To be included on the list, animals on approved holdings must have been kept in one of the EU-approved territories for at least 90 days and must remain on the listed holding for at least 40 days prior to slaughter. Furthermore, if animals from non EU-authorised territories are introduced to a listed holding, another 90-day standstill is required for all animals on that holding and all animals must be identified and registered in the national identification system for cattle.
Brazilian authorities have strongly criticised the move claiming that the restrictions are “disproportional” and “unjustified”. However, the EU stated that the tighter controls were needed following the inspections carried out in November which highlighted several shortfalls, despite prior warnings.
