As of September 3, the EU suspended imports of Brazilian beef, poultry meat, and other animal products. This action was triggered by concerns over compliance with European regulations regarding the use of antimicrobial agents throughout the lifetime of animals whose food products are exported to Europe.
A swift resumption of beef exports through adjustments to Brazil's control system therefore seems unlikely. A reliable traceability system must operate from the birth of an animal. Even if Brazil immediately remedies the shortcomings, only cattle born afterward will qualify for future exports to Europe.
Complex Procedure
Eric Thevenard, director for health and food audits at the European Commission, stated last Monday in the European Parliament's agriculture committee that he does not know when Brazil will be able to export beef to the EU again. According to him, the period between birth and slaughter is approximately two years. Theoretically, this means no Brazilian beef can be imported for the next two years.
Promotion
Beef requires more complex controls than products with a short production cycle. The background history of cattle must be traceable over a longer period. This necessitates reliable registration and information about individual animals for producers aiming to export to Europe.
Uruguay Made Adjustments
Uruguay has also had to modify its procedures. European inspectors found deficiencies in documentation and in keeping separate meat intended for EU export and meat not eligible for export. Uruguay responded by introducing a new verification process to maintain its access to the European beef market.
Digital systems can be used to register and monitor the origin and movement of agricultural products. However, this transition involves costs. Reliable traceability requires technology, digital infrastructure, data processing, and inspections. Large export companies can more easily bear these investments than smaller farmers.
Applies Worldwide
Latin American countries are therefore trying to further adapt their systems. A regional program by the Inter-American Development Bank focuses on traceability, legality of production, and compliance monitoring, with special attention to smaller farms and intermediaries. This also applies to Asian and African food exports to the EU.
Mercosur
The trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur does not change European import conditions. South American agricultural products do not automatically gain access to Europe. Producers must continue to prove they meet European requirements. For Brazilian beef, this now means these checks must begin at the animal's birth.