Brazil Slapdown: Citing health-security breaches, the EU clamps down on Brazilian beef exports into Europe

摘要

The European Union (EU) has restricted nearly all imports of Brazilian beef on animal health concerns, but EU farmers' groups think only an outright ban will protect their herds from Brazil's endemic foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Veterinary representatives of the EU's 27 member states agreed Dec. 19 on strict new traceability and animal movement measures for Brazil. In an effort to keep EU beef supplies FMD-free, as of Jan. 31, 2008, most Brazilian fresh and frozen beef imports will come to an end. Early estimates show only about 3% of the country's 10,000 holdings will qualify under the new rules.