The European Union will suspend imports of Brazilian meat and other animal products from Thursday, according to Brussels, until Brazil provides assurances that its exports comply with the bloc’s animal health standards.
“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.
According to the European Commission, Brazil has not provided adequate guarantees that its exports meet EU standards designed to prevent the improper use of antibiotics in livestock production. The suspension covers products including poultry, meat, eggs, and honey. Brussels has not indicated when imports are expected to resume.
In May, the EU placed Brazil on a list of countries failing to comply with rules on antibiotic use in livestock. An audit of Brazil’s poultry and honey sectors is scheduled to conclude Friday. If the audit confirms compliance and EU member states approve, poultry exports could resume within weeks, though beef shipments may take longer.
The European Commission said the timing of any resumption would depend on how quickly Brazil can demonstrate that it meets EU standards. It added that Brazil remains an important partner, and the EU is working constructively with Brazilian authorities to ensure adherence. Once compliance is verified, exports to the bloc will be allowed to resume.
Brazil was the EU’s second-largest beef supplier in 2025, exporting more than 92,000 tons of beef valued at over €713 million (RM3.34 billion). The EU prohibits the use of antimicrobials as growth promoters in livestock and restricts the use of antibiotics reserved for human medicine as part of measures to combat antimicrobial resistance.
BUSINESS GENERAL | Brazil Launches Business Mission to Boost Ties with African Countries
