An EU committee of experts from member countries voted Tuesday to ban Brazilian meat imports from September 3, ’, due to the use of antimicrobials to encourage the growth of animals.
BrazilThe decision to remove ’ from the list of countries that meet EU food safety standards came with the temporary entry into force of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement between the EU and Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay on 1 May’.
The agreement, which liberalizes trade in agricultural products between both sides of the Atlantic ’, is strongly opposed by AB’ farmers, who fear that different production standards on both sides of the Atlantic ’ will create unfair competition in Latin American imports.
Euronews’e, an EU diplomat, said: “The ability of the Union to enforce the rules is essential for trust, equal terms and good relations with our trading partners.”
An official familiar with the case said the vote was unanimous and Brazil was the first country to be removed from the list of states that comply with EU restrictions on antimicrobial use in animals.
The list of third countries that comply with EU requirements and can therefore export food-producing animals to AB’ will be officially adopted in the coming days.
The European Commission has repeatedly said that once the agreement comes into force, EU food safety rules will continue to apply to agricultural products imported from Latin America ’.
Commission spokeswoman Eva Hrncirova confirmed that Euronews’e Brazil’ will no longer be able to export products such as cattle, horses, poultry, eggs, aquaculture, honey and shells to AB’ from 3 September’.
“Trade agreements do not change our rules, said Hırncirova, adding: The “ Commission sets the Union's mandatory health and phytosanitary standards, and both our farmers and exporters from third countries must comply with them.”
Brussels also negotiated security measures aimed at protecting EU farmers, including mechanisms to monitor potential market disruption caused by an increase in imports from Mercosur countries. Quotas were also introduced for sensitive products such as poultry and meat.
BrazilOnce proven to comply with ’'s safety rules, the EU will be able to continue importing and Brazil will be able to enjoy the same tariff reduction as other Mercosur countries.
