Brazilian exports to be banned from the EU
Brazilian imports, including beef, will be banned from entering the EU from September 3.
Brazil was not among the updated list of third countries authorised to export food-producing animals and animal products to the EU.
The list, published on May 12, compiles countries that have proven their compliance with EU restrictions on antimicrobial use in food-producing animals.
The list of countries that comply with EU requirements to export food-producing animal products to the EU will be “formally adopted in the coming days” by the commission. The list will determine what can be exported to the EU and will apply from September 3, 2026.
A commission spokesperson said: “To be included in the list of third countries authorised to export to the Union, Brazil must ensure compliance with the Union requirements on the use of antimicrobials for the entire lifetime of the animals that the exported products originate from.”
Read More
The European Commission considers antimicrobial resistance to be one of “the biggest health threats of our time.” Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) President Francie Gorman said the announcement is an important first step.
Mr Gorman said the EU Commission “ignored findings” conducted by the IFA investigation that occurred last year, in “their rush to sell out Irish and EU farmers for big industry in the Mercosur trade deal.” He said the announcement must be backed up by meaningful actions.
“The Brazilian authorities do not have a good track record of compliance with EU auditors and trade requirements, as evidenced by the findings of the DG Sante inspections… There can be no shortcuts taken with an issue this serious for human and animal health,” Mr Gorman added.
Mr Gorman said Brazil should formulate a comprehensive database of all livestock and incorporate prescription and treatment records, similar to the system we have in Ireland.
The president of Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA), Denis Drennan, described the announcement as “stunning” and “the latest link in the chain of absurdities and inconsistencies that is the EU’s attitude to beef imports from South America”.
Mr Drennan said Brazil’s track record of excessive use of antimicrobials could have been easily checked and verified at any stage of the last 20 years.
Mr Drennan pointed out the unfairness, saying if an Irish farmer was caught for the same issues, their animal would be rejected, no payment would be received, and the farmer would be subjected to checks by the department to ensure compliance after the incident.
“An Irish farmer would see their animal destroyed immediately, and the same rules should apply to Brazil”, concluded Mr Drennan.
