May 22, 2007

Russia bans beef from three plants of Brazil's Friboi Group

Russia has barred the entry of products from three processing plants of Brazilian meatpacker Friboi Group, the company said Friday (May 18).

In a note to investors, Friboi holding company JBS SA (JBSS3.BR) said no motive were given by Russia on the ban and as to how long the prohibition would stand.

Six meat plants of Friboi continue its beef shipments to Russia.

Brazil's Agriculture Ministry said Russia has already banned beef and pork imports from 11 meatpacking companies last week without giving any reasons.

Russia has still put in place a ban on some Brazilian states due to foot-and-mouth-disease outbreak in October 2005.

Friboi is Brazil's No. 1 beef exporter while the country is the world's leading beef exporter.