EU suspends Brazilian meat imports over antibiotic compliance concerns

The European Union will suspend imports of Brazilian meat and other animal products from Thursday, Brussels said, pending assurances from Brazil that it is complying with the bloc's animal health rules. The European Commission said Brazil has failed to provide sufficient guarantees that its exports meet EU standards aimed at preventing the misuse of antibiotics in livestock farming. "Brazil will no longer be authorised to export to the Union food-producing animals and products of animal origin intended for human consumption," a Commission spokeswoman told AFP on Monday. This will affect commodities such as poultry, meat, eggs and honey. Brussels declined to provide a timeline for when imports might resume. In May, Brazil was put on an EU list of countries that do not keep to rules on the use of antibiotics in animals. An audit of Brazil's poultry and honey sectors is due to conclude on Friday. If the findings are positive and EU member states give approval, Brazilian poultry exports to the bloc could resume within weeks. Beef imports may take longer. The commission said the timeline would depend on how quickly Brazil can demonstrate compliance with EU requirements. "Brazil is an im...