The European Commission has confirmed that Brazil is not included on a new list of countries that comply with EU rules on the use of antimicrobial agents in livestock farming. This threatens a ban on the import of Brazilian beef, horse meat, poultry, eggs, honey, and aquaculture products.
According to the Commission, antibiotics must not be used to make animals grow faster or produce more. Also, medicines intended for treating human infections must not be used on animals. These rules are part of the EU’s approach against antimicrobial resistance.
Competition
European livestock farmers and agrarians have repeatedly argued that the same criteria should apply to imported food as to food produced within EU countries. Otherwise, EU farmers would face disadvantages and competition from foreign competitors not bound by the stricter EU criteria.
Promotion
A Commission spokesperson stated that Brazil must first prove that European rules are followed throughout the entire life of the animals. Only then can exports be allowed again. Brussels says it has been in contact with Brazilian authorities about this for some time.
Contaminated Meat
The Brazilian government has announced it will take immediate measures to reverse the decision. The Brazilian delegation to the EU plans to consult with European health authorities as early as this coming Wednesday.
Last year, EU field research revealed that some Brazilian farms contained medicines and chemicals not permitted in the EU. It also emerged that in some EU countries, imported batches of Brazilian beef contaminated with these substances were intercepted.
Stricter Controls
European livestock farmers say that the European Commission apparently is finally taking seriously the risks of antimicrobial resistance in Brazilian beef production. According to them, controls in some Brazilian provinces are insufficient, and large quantities of antibiotics can be purchased without strict oversight.
The issue also plays a role in discussions about the trade agreement between the EU and the South American Mercosur countries, which provisionally came into effect in early May. According to the Commission, Brazil is the only Mercosur country not on the list of approved exporting countries.