Brazil seeks partial solution to EU ban on animal product imports

The Brazilian government is seeking a partial solution to mitigate the effects of the European Union's suspension of animal product imports from Brazil, which takes effect this Thursday (3/9). One option under discussion would allow specific facilities to resume beef exports if they can prove compliance with EU antimicrobial rules. The EU removed Brazil from its list of approved exporters after stating it lacked sufficient guarantees that the country would meet new antimicrobial use requirements by September 3. The measure affects cattle, horses, poultry, aquaculture, honey, and casings, with Brazilian officials acknowledging a broad solution is unlikely before the ban begins. An EU mission is currently in Brazil to assess controls, and officials see more positive prospects for chicken meat, possibly resolving this year, while beef is considered more complex. The European Commission confirmed an audit on poultry and honey is underway and should conclude by the end of this week.