Brazil gov't suspends exports from 21 processing plants targeted by Weak Flesh

The countries that barred Brazilian meat wait for clarifications from

Published on 21/03/2017 - 14:02 By Heloisa Cristaldo reports from Agência Brasil - Brasília

In a statement made Monday (Mar. 20), Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi described as “a disaster” the restriction on Brazilian meat by the international market. So far, the European Union, China, and Chile have made their suspension on Brazilian meat imports official. The countries wait for clarifications from the Brazilian government regarding Operation Weak Flesh, launched Friday (17) by the Federal Police.

“[The restriction] would be a disaster, as China is one of our key importers. The European community, in addition to being the second destination of imports from us, is also our visiting card,” the minister noted, during an interview to the press.

According to the report from the Federal Police, investigations target agribusiness executives and law enforcement agents who facilitated the issuance of sanitary reports for foods unfit for consumption.

“Selling to Europe means selling to a number of countries that often do not ask for an inspection from us, because they know we have a good system. I hope, I pray, I think, I work so that this shouldn't come to pass,” Maggi said.

The minister announced the suspension of the license for the export of 21 processing plants probed, but said sales are to remain uninterrupted in the internal market. Maggi noted that the measures in the country are not so strict, because procedures are under rigorous control and in compliance with the law, which protects Brazilian customers. “In the internal market, we have more control.”

According to the minister, the concern about the external market stems from a difficult reopening in case a severe measure is taken. “Once such a market as this is closed, years of hard work are necessary for a reopening. Our concern now is not to leave all requests for information from the market unanswered,” Maggi said. The minister went on to note that the mad cow disease caused the market to stay closed for three years.

In a teleconference meeting Monday night, the Brazilian government plans to clarify all questions from the Chinese sanitary authorities. “We hope we can minimize this issue raised by China after these talks,” the minister declared.

As reported by news agency Xinhua, Brazil exports to China nearly doubles in the first two months of the year compared to the same period in 2016. In January and February, exports brought over $6.246 billion, chiefly from the sales of oil and iron, soy, wood pulp, and beef. The value of exports from Brazil to China leaped 94.3%, driven by a rise in the price of raw materials like oil and iron.

Other countries

The minister believes Brazil may receive requests for clarifications from some 30 countries regarding the suspicions raised by the Weak Flesh probe. This is the total amount of countries importing Brazilian meat.

The European Union barred the entry of Brazilian meat from four processing plants targeted by the crackdown, Maggi reported. “The European community has officially announced it will take no measures against Brazil, except for the 21 plants under suspicions and investigation.”

The Chilean government has also made an announcement barring Brazilian meat. Maggi went on to state that he has not been informed on the level of restriction imposed on the national product, but said a retaliation was possible in case sanctions are too harsh.

Maggi further stated that Egypt reported a suspension of Brazilian meat was a possibility, and that Russia is observing the reaction of the EU before it makes its decision.

Also according to the minister, no restrictions have been imposed on the shipment of Brazilian meat for the external market. Processing plants must be inspected in three weeks, during which term the government hopes to have all questions arising from Operation Weak Flesh to be clarified.

“Of course companies must be aware at this moment. I, for instance, if I were one of these companies, I wouldn't make any shipments until things are clear for good,” he said. The government is already collecting samples of products from those targeted by the probe, the minister announced. “If we find any problem, we'll recommend the suspension and the recall of these products,” he said.

Some $15 billion circulate in the meat industry every year—30% of which stems from imports of the Brazilian product. “It means a lot of money, that's why we're so careful about not letting it [be brought to a halt]. We're not only worried about the trade balance—that's a point there—but also the fact that this sector employs 6 million people,” Maggi noted.


Translated by Fabrício Ferreira


Fonte: Brazil gov't suspends exports from 21 processing plants targeted by Weak Flesh

Edition: Juliana Andrade / José Romildo

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