February 1, 2008

Singapore shrugs off Brazilian beef safety scare

Singapore, which imports half of its beef supply from Brazil, expressed no intention of imposing a ban on Brazilian beef amidst safety concerns.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore ensured that it has a system of its own to check on safe food supply, at par with international standards.

The report came after EU placed a blanket ban on beef from Brazil, the largest beef exporter, after it failed to provide sufficient guarantees on the safety of its beef shipments.

AVA, for its part, does not see the need to follow suit as it has stringent food safety checks of its own. This includes a process of regular reviews, accreditation and inspection of source farms, abattoirs and food-processing factories, on top of other measures.

In November last year, the EU imposed partial restrictions on Brazilian beef. EU previously asked for a list with 300 authorized beef exporters, to which Brazil provided 2,600 farms.

EU authorities announced last month that it will fully suspend any beef import from Brazil. Brazil for its part has slammed the decision, arguing that its beef poses no risk to humans or animals.