EU suspends imports of Brazilian meat over antibiotic violations

As of Thursday, the European Commission is suspending imports from Brazil of animals intended for food production, as well as animal-derived products meant for human consumption. According to a European Commission spokesperson, Brazil failed to provide sufficient guarantees that its exports comply with EU rules aimed at preventing antibiotic misuse in livestock farming.

The restriction will affect poultry, meat, eggs and honey, and will remain in place until Brazil demonstrates compliance with EU veterinary requirements. Brussels declined to give a specific timeline for resuming shipments — according to the European Commission, everything will depend on how quickly Brazil confirms it meets the requirements.

When could shipments resume?

An inspection of Brazil's poultry and honey production sector is due to be completed on Friday. If the audit results are positive and EU member states give their approval, Brazilian poultry exports to the EU could resume within a few weeks. The situation with beef is more complicated, and confirming compliance there may take longer.

"Brazil is an important partner for the EU, and we are working closely, constructively and positively with the Brazilian authorities to ensure these requirements are met," the European Commission spokesperson said. She added that once compliance is confirmed, exports to the EU can resume.

The controversial Mercosur agreement

The decision comes amid harsh criticism from farmers and France over the free trade agreement signed in January 2026 between the EU and the South American bloc Mercosur, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay.

In 2025, Brazil was the EU's second-largest beef supplier, exporting more than 92,000 tonnes of meat worth over €713 million. Back in May, Brazil was already added to the EU's list of countries failing to comply with antibiotic-use rules in livestock farming.

The European Union bans the use of antimicrobial drugs to promote livestock growth and restricts the use of antibiotics intended for treating humans, as part of efforts to curb the growing resistance of bacteria to antimicrobial agents.

Source: seznamzpravy.cz