en.Wedoany.com Reported - Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture has adjusted export controls on meat and meat products to comply with EU regulations on the use of antimicrobials, aiming to avoid disruptions in exports to the European Union starting in September. According to a circular issued by the ministry this week, processing plants authorized to export to the EU must implement auditable control measures to demonstrate compliance with EU requirements on antimicrobial use.

These control measures must at least ensure the traceability of raw materials, animals, or products, and retain written evidence to prove compliance of received raw materials, animals, and inputs used in the production of certified batches. Previously, since May, when EU authorities announced that Brazil was not included in the list of countries authorized to export meat and other animal-derived products to the bloc, the Brazilian government and the meat industry have been working to submit relevant guarantees and make adjustments. The exclusion is related to rules concerning the alleged use of antimicrobials to promote animal growth or increase production, which are prohibited by the EU.

If adjustments are not made in time, from September 3, Brazil will no longer be able to export products to the EU (including live animals for food production and processed products), such as cattle, horses, poultry, eggs, aquaculture products, honey, and casings. The EU is a key export destination for Brazilian meat, especially higher-value-added products such as chicken breast. For chicken products, total exports to the EU in 2025 amounted to approximately $800 million; for beef, exports to the EU exceeded $1 billion.

The Brazilian Association of Meat Export Industries (Abiec), which represents beef producers, declined to comment when asked. The Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), which represents chicken and pork producers, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.