February 17, 2020

Saudi Arabia suspends poultry imports from two BRF plants

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has imposed a temporary poultry export suspension from two plants owned by BRF, reported Brazil-Arab News Agency.

The two plants are located in DoisVizinhos and Francisco Beltrão, Brazil were suspended on February 10, 2020.

Ricardo Santin, Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) CEO said there were no reasons provided for the ban. He is organising a meeting with Saudi authorities and Brazil's ambassador to Saudi Arabia to lift the ban as soon as possible.

Tamer Mansour, Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce secretary general said a meeting is being scheduled with the Saudi Arabia embassy and the SFDA to approve the plants once more, adding that the ban equates to 20% loss of sales to Saudi Arabia.

According to ABPA, Brazil's poultry exports to Arab countries were lower 3.5% year on year to 97,952 tonnes in January 2020.

Exports to Saudi Arabia were 9% lower to 35,150 tonnes, and 18% lower to 21,100 tonnes to the United Arab Emirates. The UAE is the second largest purchaser of poultry from Brazil.

-      Brazil-Arab News Agency