EU suspends Brazilian meat imports over health concerns

The European Union has announced it will halt imports of Brazilian meat and other animal products effective immediately, pending assurances from Brazil that its exports meet EU animal health standards. This decision comes after Brazil failed to provide sufficient guarantees regarding the misuse of antibiotics in livestock farming, according to a European Commission spokeswoman.

The ban will affect commodities such as poultry, meat, eggs, honey, and casing. Brussels did not provide a specific timeline for when imports might resume. In May, Brazil was added to an EU list of countries that do not comply with antibiotic use rules in animals.

An audit of Brazil's poultry and honey sectors is set to conclude on Friday. If the findings are favorable and EU member states approve, Brazilian poultry exports to the bloc could resume within weeks. However, beef imports might take longer, depending on how quickly Brazil can demonstrate compliance with EU requirements.

The EU values Brazil as an important partner and is working closely and constructively with Brazilian authorities to ensure compliance. Once compliance is demonstrated, exports to the EU will be allowed to resume. The EU is particularly concerned after signing a free trade agreement with Mercosur in January 2026, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Brazil was the EU's second-largest supplier of beef in 2025, exporting over 92,000 tonnes worth over €713 million.

EU regulations prohibit the use of antimicrobials to promote growth in livestock and restrict the use of antibiotics reserved for human medicine, aiming to curb antimicrobial resistance.