July 29, 2010

Brazil to resume US beef export in August

Brazil will send the first of its test results for wormicides in beef to the US next week, meaning processed beef exports should only resume in August, Agriculture Minister Wagner Rossi said on Wednesday (Jul 28).

Brazil only exports processed canned beef to the US, not frozen or chilled.

The Brazilian government opted to suspend beef exports to the US on May 27 after the discovery of traces of wormicide above levels permitted by the importer.

Rossi explained that the first results sent to the US are not final proof, as tests should take place for another 15 days. He added, however, that the process is well underway.

The minister emphasised that Brazil is "doing its homework," referring to both the government and the private sector.

Rossi's view is that, after a visit by technicians to the US to deal with this matter, the country is more willing to buy Brazilian processed beef again.