EU halts meat imports from Brazil: due to non-compliance with antimicrobial use rules

EU Commission Spokesperson Eva Hrncirova made a statement about meat imports from Brazil to the EU at the daily press conference held in Brussels.

Stating that there are strict rules regarding food safety in the EU, Hrncirova stated that the use of antimicrobials to accelerate the growth of animals is prohibited and that some antibiotics reserved for human treatment cannot be applied to animals.

Hrncirova said, "As of September 3, animals and animal products exported to the EU must comply with the rules regarding antimicrobials. In this context, the list of countries that comply with our rules regarding antimicrobials will come into force on September 3. Brazil is not currently on the list." he said.

Stating that assurances were requested from exporting countries that they comply with the rules in question, Hrncirova explained that Brazil is not on the EU's list of approved countries because it has not yet been able to provide the necessary assurances.

Hrncirova explained that they received some written assurances from the Brazilian authorities regarding poultry and honey, but EU rules require assurances that will cover the entire life cycle of animals.

Noting that the necessary assurances, especially regarding beef, have not yet been provided, Hrncirova stated that the EU continues to work in close contact with the Brazilian authorities.

Hrncirova said that imports may be possible after Brazil meets the necessary conditions.

Within the scope of the implementation, imports of products such as poultry meat, beef, eggs and honey from Brazil to the EU will be suspended.

Brazil became the EU's second largest beef supplier after the UK in 2025, exporting more than 92 thousand tons of beef to the Union, worth more than 713 million euros.