January 24, 2007

Brazil beef imports short of UK standards

Leaders of the UK and Irish farming unions recently revealed that that Brazilian imports fell well short of the standards set in the UK.

While some progress appears to have been made by the Brazilian government, many of the measures outlined in the Foreign and Veterinary Office mission report have yet to be implemented, read a joint statement issued by leaders from the five different unions meeting with the EU health commissioner Markos Kyprianou.

According to the leaders, Brazilian beef production lacked traceability, individual identification and posed a threat of foot and mouth disease.

The commissioner assured the leaders that he would take action if the next FVO mission found a serious lack of implementation.