China resumes beef imports from Brazil

China announced the resumption of Brazilian beef imports, previously suspended since June 3 as a result of an atypical case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE),  known as the mad cow disease, reported in the state of Mato Grosso.

China is the only country among Brazil’s importers to have a sanitary protocol demanding the temporary suspension of beef imports when an atypical case of the disease is detected.

Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply Tereza Cristina learned about the move Thursday (Jun 13). She reiterated the country will continue to negotiate a new protocol with Chinese sanitary authorities.

No risks

According to the ministry, “the disease was confirmed in a beef cow aged 17. All of the material posing risk for BSE was removed from the animal during the emergency slaughter and incinerated in the slaughterhouse itself.”

The other “products derived from the animal were identified, located, and seized as a precaution, with no product having entered the food chain of people or ruminants. There was therefore no risk for the population.”

On June 3, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) closed the request for complimentary information from Brazil about the case and concluded there were no sanitary risks. Beef exports to other countries were unaltered.