Hong Kong lifts ban on meat from plants not under probe

In a statement made Tuesday (Mar. 28), Hong Kong sanitary authorities announced that the ban imposed on Brazilian meat and its byproducts was partly lifted. Restrictions only remain for goods derived from the 21 meatpacking facilities targeted under Operation Weak Flesh, a probe into irregularities in the production and inspection of meat.

Hong Kong was one of the countries or territories that completely banned Brazilian meat imports. In a note, the Hong Kong government said the move comes as a response to the clarifications provided by Brazil's sanitary authorities to guarantee the safety and strict control of its food production system.

On the announcement, Brazil's the president's special communication office declared, “The move reopens all major markets for Brazilian meat imports.”

“This is a victory for the Brazilian agricultural exports sector and an important outcome achieved by the joint efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, the Foreign Ministry, and Brazil's Consulate-General in Hong Kong,” the note reads.

Last week, Hong Kong recalled all products from the 21 processing plants targeted by the crackdown.

*Pedro Peduzzi contributed to this article.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira