September 21, 2021

Russia imposes restrictions on meatpackers in Brazil following mad cow disease cases

Russia has imposed restrictions on Brazilian meatpackers after two atypical cases of mad cow disease were detected this month, the Valor Economico newspaper reported on September 17.

According to Valor Economico, Russian agriculture safety watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor determined that beef imports from the states of Mato Grosso and Minas Gerais, where the mad cow cases were found, can happen only if from cows slaughtered at 30 months or under.

The beef would also need veterinary certification regarding the age of slaughtered cows, Valor Economico said, adding that the restrictions are also valid for live cattle imports.

The move comes after Saudi Arabia suspended beef imports from five Brazilian meatpackers located in Minas Gerais.

Brazil, the world's largest beef exporter, had also temporarily suspended its shipments to its top customer China, in line with a health protocol signed between the two countries.

- Reuters