Brazil has made major progress in improving controls on poultry meat sent to Europe, according to findings from a recent audit report. The audit, carried out by DG Sante in October and November 2023, found significant improvements that largely addressed the recommendations suggested after previous visits. Audits in Brazil on poultry meat and public health took place in 2017 and 2018, prompted by results of the Carne Fraca police operation, which highlighted fraud and corruption in 21 beef and poultry processing plants in the country.
They identified serious deficiencies that led the EU Commission to impose measures including de-listing certain plants and suspending Brazil’s pre-listing of meat establishments. Also, 100 percent pre-export microbiological checks were required for all poultry meat product consignments sent to the EU. There is an ongoing dispute case at the World Trade Organization (WTO) between Brazil and the EU related to certain poultry meat preparations and Salmonella.
Findings prompt changes In 2021, 487,000 tons of poultry meat were exported to the EU and 371,000 tons of poultry meat preparations. This fell to 153,500 tons and 155,000 tons, respectively, in 2022. UK authorities lifted enhanced import controls on beef and poultry and restrictions on Brazil listing poultry and beef establishments for export to Great Britain in 2023 following findings from an audit by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
After the last DG Sante aud.