Brazil is off the EU export list. Polish poultry producers look at the audit with concern

Brazil dropped off the EU's list of export countries in May because it was unable to guarantee compliance with EU requirements on the use of antibiotics in animals from which exported meat comes.

EU regulations prohibit the use of antibiotics to accelerate growth and those reserved for the treatment of certain human infections.

To be included on the list of third countries authorized to export to the EU, Brazil must ensure compliance with EU requirements regarding the use of antimicrobials throughout the life of the animals from which exported products come from, the EC spokeswoman told RMF FM.

The audit on poultry and honey is already underway

At the same time, the situation may change for some products. An audit by the EU's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety is currently underway in Brazil. The inspection will end on September 4.

The audit covers poultry and honey because Brazil has provided written guarantees of compliance with EU requirements for these products. Brazilian authorities also confirmed their readiness to inspect broiler meat and broiler meat products, as well as honey and other beekeeping products.

After the audit, a report will be prepared. If the result of the inspection is positive, the European Commission may consider re-entering Brazil into the list of countries authorized to export - in the case of poultry and/or honey.

However, this does not mean the automatic return of Brazilian products to the EU market. Any Commission proposal will have to be put to a vote by EU member states.

Polish producers are anxiously waiting for the decision

Polish poultry producers are paying particular attention to the matter. Poland is one of the largest producers of poultry in the European Union, and Brazil is one of the world leaders in its production and export.

The return of Brazilian poultry meat would mean additional competition for Polish breeders. Producers interviewed by RMF FM want, above all, a guarantee that Brazilian goods will be subject to the same requirements as EU products.

It is good that the European Commission decided to conduct an audit. I hope that it will be accurate enough, because I do not really believe that Brazil will change its entire system just for the EU - says Dariusz Goszczyński, president of the National Poultry Council.

What is disturbing is that even before the audit, the Brazilian industry and distributors of Brazilian chicken said that this inspection would be only a formality and that their return to the EU market would be quick - he says, and adds that even if Brazil shows the required changes, the question remains whether they will be permanent. Won't it just be for a while until the European Commission gives the green light? – he asks.

Beef and eggs without an audit

Beef and eggs are not covered by the current audit. Brazil is unable at this stage to provide the required guarantees regarding compliance with EU rules throughout the animals' lives.