Investigations into shipments of out-of-date or contaminated poultry and beef have turned Brazil’s multi-billion euro meat industry from powerhouse to pariah in the short period since St Patrick’s Day.

Friday

Around 1,000 police officers raid 30 factories across the country as part of “Operation Weak Flesh”. Brazil’s authorities say they are investigating alleged sales of meat tainted by decay or salmonella, and corruption of officials to cover up the breaches. Over 20 public officials are suspended.

Saturday

The scandal spreads around the world. The ICSA urges caution in any trade deals, as talks between the EU and the Mercosur block of South American countries, including Brazil, are due to resume this week.

Sunday

Brazil’s highest authorities scramble to reassure international buyers. President Michel Temer tells foreign ambassadors that 99% of Brazilian meat processors respect food safety standards and announces the posting of inspectors around the clock at 21 factories still under investigation.

The government publishes the list of factories, which includes sites operated by BRF, the world’s top poultry producer, and a subsidiary of JBS, the world’s largest beef exporter. Four of them had recent exports to the EU.

Monday

China – the world’s largest importer of Brazilian meat – suspends all meat imports from Brazil. Calls for a similar ban spread around Europe. IFA president Joe Healy highlights that “no credible or proper control system can effectively operate on the basis of no traceability, tagging, registration and national data base” and calls for an EU ban on meat that cannot meet these standards.

ICSA beef chair Ed Phelan calls for an “outright ban”: “If the shoe was on the other foot and the scare was with our beef, this is what would happen,” said Phelan.

Tuesday

The exporters named in the list of Brazilian factories under investigation have their EU access revoked.

“The EU asked Brazil to suspend certification of these establishments pending delisting,” European Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan tells the Irish Farmers Journal.

“Following these contacts, Brazil has suspended all exports from all establishments involved in the scandal.”

Hong Kong joins mainland China in suspending all Brazilian meat imports. Between these two destinations, the door has now been slammed on 17% of Brazil’s meat exports.