August 8, 2008
Brazil suspends processed beef exports to the US
Brazil has voluntarily suspended exports of processed beef to the US due to inadequacies in Brazil's inspection system.
The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, said the move followed FSIS's annual audit of Brazil's inspection system which found record keeping issues in establishments and oversight of laboratories. The FSIS also noted that previous corrective actions seemed to be de-emphasized.
FSIS continues to analyze the audit information.
Meantime, Brazil would be required to conduct its own assessments and corrective actions.
FSIS will review the information Brazil provides, conduct follow-up audits then determine whether these exports can resume.
Export of Brazilian beef products to the US is already restricted due to issues with foot-and-mouth disease.
