Brazil is preparing to take to the WTO complaints that EU laws restrict what may be deemed as fresh poultry meat discriminate against exporters to the area.

 

The poultry case focuses on the definition of what poultry is deemed as fresh with regards to the rules introduced last May. The rule currently prevents this label from being applied to meat that has been frozen previously.
 
Brazil, the world's largest poultry exporter, claimed the rules discriminate against suppliers outside of the EU, which typically ship chicken to the region frozen rather than fresh.

 

The rules were opposed within the EU too, notably by the UK, which said they would banned what it termed as safe and lucrative practice of using frozen meat for the preparation of, for example, barbecue foods.

 

Brazil's broiler meat exports to the EU fell by 9.6% to 282,000 tonnes last year, demoting the region to fourth place among buyers, behind Saudi Arabia, Japan and Hong Kong.

 

However, Brazil has not informed the EU of their intention to take their complaints to the EU currently, according to a European Commission source.

 

"These things are always approached by consultation first," the source said, adding that the talk of complaint may amount to sabre rattling in preparation for such a process.

 

Brazil, whose broiler exports rose 5.6% last year to a record 3.63 million tonnes, is engaged in a series of campaigns to improve shipments; including plans to increase the number of certified plants to export to China from 25 to 44; seal a sanitary agreement on exports to Malaysia; and promote sales to Africa this year.

 

"Brazilian exports are concerned with the political situation in the Middle East," the USDA officials said.