The US has reopened its doors to Brazilian beef exports, following an audit of Brazil’s inspection system by US officials.

Two and a half years ago, the US Department of Agriculture suspended imports of all Brazilian raw intact beef over Operation Weak Flesh, which exposed food safety and animal health issues at Brazilian meat factories.

Inspections

Following Operation Weak Flesh, the US began inspecting 100% of all Brazilian beef imports, which resulted in the food safety watchdog rejecting 106 lots of Brazilian beef on public health concerns, sanitary conditions and animal health issues.

Now however, the US Food Safety and Inspection Service has determined that raw beef from Brazil is eligible for export to the United States from cattle slaughtered on and after 21 February 2020, the date that the department lifted the suspension.

Raw beef products derived from cattle slaughtered in Brazil and certified as slaughtered before 21 February 2020 are not eligible for export.

Quota

Brazil will be entering the US market under an international quota with reduced tariff for 64,000t of beef, the same as Ireland.

If Brazil exports large quantities, then it could negatively affect Irish beef exports to the USA, which are currently 153% ahead of last year.

Additional reporting by Phelim O’Neill

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