May 24, 2007

Russia pushes Brazil for tougher regulations on meat exports

Russian agriculture watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor (Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision) cites Brazil's lack of effective control on livestock products and veterinary certificates with a high degree of protection were to blame on Russia's ban on meat products from some Brazilian states.

Rosselkhoznadzor spokesman Alexei Alexeyenko said this was Russia's answer on an official inquiry by Brazil's agriculture minister Roberto Rodrigues on reasons behind the embargo.

Alexeyenko said until Brazil has launched a system guaranteeing the quality and safety of products brought in the Russian market, Brazilian meat will not be assured of a certification from Russian and Brazilian veterinary agencies.

Alexeyenko added Brazil has not yet introduced veterinary certificates with a high degree of protection from counterfeiting, based on Russia's inspection of some of Brazil's meat plants and veterinary offices.

The states of Parana and Mato Grosso do Sul periodically report cases of foot-and-mouth disease, dangerous for animals and humans alike, he said.

Rosselkhoznadzor early this year has suspended the supplies of meat from several Brazilian companies after detecting salmonella in batches.

Alexeyenko said Russia is ready to partially resume of Brazilian meat exports if they have fully adapted to the Russian veterinary sanitation regulations.

In his view, partial restrictions on Brazilian meat imports will not affect the Russian market or the level of prices as the supply gap may be taken over by Latin American countries or Australia.

According to the national confederation of agriculture, which brings together the owners of agribusinesses, Russia is the world' largest buyer of Brazilian meat, with annual purchases worth up to US$1.5 billion.