The European Union announced it will suspend imports of Brazilian meat and other animal products starting Thursday, pending confirmation that Brazil meets the bloc’s animal health regulations.
The European Commission stated that Brazil has not supplied adequate assurances that its exports comply with EU standards designed to prevent the misuse of antibiotics in livestock.
The Commission said Brazil will no longer be permitted to export food‑producing animals and animal‑derived products for human consumption.
The ban covers commodities including poultry, meat, eggs, and honey. Brussels has not set a date for when imports could resume.
In May, Brazil was placed on an EU list of countries that fail to adhere to regulations on antibiotic use in animals.
An audit of Brazil’s poultry and honey sectors is expected to finish on Friday.
If the audit results are positive and EU member states grant approval, Brazilian poultry exports to the EU could resume within weeks, while beef imports may require more time.
The Commission noted that the timeline will depend on how quickly Brazil can demonstrate compliance with EU requirements.
\”Brazil is an important partner for the EU, and we are working closely, constructively, and positively with Brazilian authorities to ensure compliance with these requirements,\” the spokeswoman said.
\”Once compliance is demonstrated, exports to the EU will be able to resume.\”
The Brazilian government did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment after Monday’s announcement but stated in May that it would act quickly to reverse the suspension.
The EU aims to demonstrate its vigilance after facing strong criticism from farmers and France following its January 2026 signing of a free trade agreement with South America’s Mercosur bloc — Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
Brazil was the EU’s second‑largest beef supplier in 2025, exporting over 92,000 tonnes valued at more than €713 million ($825 million).
The bloc prohibits the use of antimicrobials to promote livestock growth and restricts antibiotics reserved for human medicine to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Carlos Roberto dos Santos, a farmer in São Paulo, said he understood why the EU wants to protect its consumers and agricultural sector.
\”Production costs are much higher there,\” he told AFP, conceding that \”European farmers cannot compete with me.\”
\”If governments import cheap meat, they risk destroying their country’s farming sector,\” he added.
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