SAO PAULO, July 3 (Reuters) – Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry has adjusted export controls for meat and derivatives to meet European Union antimicrobial usage requirements, aiming to prevent a suspension of shipments to the bloc starting in September.
The EU threatened to halt some imports from Brazil if it fails to comply by September 3 with rules banning antimicrobials used to promote animal growth or boost production.
• Facilities authorized to export to the EU must implement auditable controls demonstrating compliance with European antimicrobial rules, according to a ministry circular dated July 1.
• Controls must ensure traceability of materials and animals, and maintain evidence of eligibility for EU-destined batches.
• Brazil was excluded from a May list of countries authorized to export meat to the EU over antimicrobial concerns.
• The EU is a major destination for Brazilian meat, with poultry exports at $800 million in 2025 and beef exceeding $1 billion.
• Brazil risks losing export access for cattle, poultry, eggs, aquaculture products, honey and casings.
• Abiec, representing beef producers, declined to comment, while ABPA, representing poultry and pork producers, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
(Reporting by Leticia Fucuchima; Writing by Isabel Teles; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
