EU and UK announce a complete halt to beef imports from Brazil

On November 5, the European Union and the United Kingdom announced a complete halt to beef imports from Brazil. This decision was the result of serious concerns about the use of the hormone estradiol in livestock. European regulators noted that Brazil could not guarantee the absence of this hormone in meat, which is a mandatory requirement for imports into Europe.

Reasons for the ban

Estradiol is a sex hormone that is used in some countries to accelerate the growth of livestock. However, its use in livestock is strictly prohibited in the European Union due to potential risks to human health. A recent audit by European experts found significant deficiencies in Brazil’s animal traceability system. This means that control over which hormones were used in the raising of livestock was ineffective.

Economic impact

According to Brazil’s statistics office Agrifatto, the UK accounts for 6.9% of Brazil’s total beef exports. In the first eight months of 2024, beef shipments to Europe and the UK brought the country €521 million, significantly less than the €675 million for the whole of 2023. This drop in revenue jeopardizes not only Brazilian meat producers, but also the country’s economy as a whole, given that the meat industry plays an important role in Brazilian exports.

Time to fix it

Brazil has been given twelve months to develop a new protocol that should include alternative methods of beef certification. This time will be used to improve the control system and ensure compliance with strict European safety standards. However, given the complexity and scope of this task, it is unclear whether Brazil will be able to meet all requirements within the deadline.

Market and consumer impact

The ban on Brazilian beef imports will also affect the market for meat products in Europe. Consumers may face shortages of certain types of meat, which in turn could lead to higher prices. Alternative suppliers such as Argentina and Australia may try to fill the resulting niche, but they must also meet strict quality and safety standards.

The halting of beef imports from Brazil is not only an economic challenge, but also a social one. It raises important questions about food safety and producers’ responsibility for the quality of their products. Brazil, for its part, must not only solve the estradiol problem, but also improve its overall livestock control system to regain the trust of European consumers and regain its market. Time will tell if the country can meet this challenge and return to the international stage as a reliable meat supplier.

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Tags: Brazil, EU, UK, restrictions