BRAZIL has moved closer to regaining access to the EU poultry market after European Commission inspectors found its controls on antimicrobial use could meet the bloc’s import requirements.
The EU suspended Brazilian poultry imports from 3 September after the country failed to provide sufficient guarantees that production complied with its rules. These prohibit antimicrobials being used to promote growth or increase yield, alongside medicines reserved for treating certain infections in people.
See also: EU ban on Brazilian poultry takes effect as GB urged to follow
The Commission’s audit, published on 28 September, covered broiler meat and honey production. Inspectors found that recently introduced controls were operating effectively, with compliance in poultry depending on keeping production intended for the EU separate from non-eligible supplies.
A weakness in official checks on poultry-feed premix manufacturers was addressed during the visit. The final report made no recommendations for further corrective action.
However, the findings do not themselves authorise exports to restart. Brazil’s agriculture ministry said EU approval procedures remained outstanding and that it had requested consideration at a committee meeting on 20–21 October.
NFU’s earlier calls
Ahead of the EU suspension, the NFU joined NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru and the Ulster Farmers’ Union in calling for equivalent UK-wide restrictions on Brazilian animal products. The unions warned that meat displaced from the European market could be diverted to Great Britain, increasing pressure on domestic producers.
They argued that imports should meet equivalent production standards, reflecting British farmers’ efforts to reduce antibiotic use. Their demands also included an in-person Defra audit of Brazilian production and traceability systems, alongside increased checks on imports for prohibited residues.
