European meat sector calls for stricter controls on imports from Brazil

Representatives of the livestock and meat industries have called on the European Commission to strictly enforce restrictions on imports of Brazilian beef and poultry under EU Implementing Regulation 2026/1189, which entered into force on September 3. Industry organizations oppose any delay or relaxation of the new requirements.

Market participants argue that the current restrictions should not be limited only to the use of antimicrobial drugs. Referring to findings from official EU inspections, they are calling for tighter controls to ensure that Brazilian products comply with European food safety and traceability requirements.

Industry representatives stress that EU producers and processors operate under strict standards covering food safety, animal welfare, traceability and environmental sustainability. In their view, similar requirements should apply to imports from third countries in order to prevent unequal competitive conditions.

The industry associations have also asked national and European authorities to hold a working meeting on the practical implementation of the new rules. In particular, they want information on inspection resources, control capacity at EU entry points and procedures for checking imported meat.

The joint statement was backed by a number of Spanish and European industry organizations, including ANAFRIC, ANICE, ANPROGAPOR, ASAJA, ASOPROVAC, AVIANZA, CEDECARNE, CAE, CESFAC, FECIC and JARC. They are calling for the new rules to serve as a basis for stronger controls and equal requirements for all products entering the EU market.

Tags: EU, meat, chicken, Beef cattle, restrictions, Brazil