EU suspends Brazilian animal product imports over antibiotic concerns

EUROPE – The European Union has suspended imports of Brazilian meat and other animal products after Brussels determined that Brazil had not provided sufficient guarantees that its livestock production systems comply with EU rules on antibiotic use.

The suspension, effective Thursday, covers Brazilian poultry, beef, eggs, honey and animal casings intended for human consumption. 

The European Commission said the restrictions will remain in place until Brazilian authorities demonstrate that production and control systems meet EU requirements.

“Brazil will no longer be authorised to export to the Union food-producing animals and products of animal origin intended for human consumption,” a Commission spokesperson said.

The EU has not set a date for lifting the suspension, with the timing dependent on Brazil’s ability to demonstrate compliance.

Brazil was added in May to an EU list of countries considered not to be meeting the bloc’s requirements on antimicrobial use in livestock. 

The latest action reflects wider EU efforts to limit antibiotic misuse in animal production amid growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

EU rules prohibit the use of antimicrobials for growth promotion in livestock and restrict the use of antibiotics considered particularly important for human medicine. 

The bloc also requires countries exporting animal products to provide guarantees that production practices comply with its food safety and animal health standards.

Poultry exports could resume first

An EU audit covering Brazil’s poultry and honey sectors is due to conclude on Friday and could provide an early indication of when some exports may resume.

If the findings are favourable and EU member states approve the outcome, Brazilian poultry exports could restart within weeks. Beef shipments are expected to take longer.

The Commission said Brazil remains an important trading partner and that it is working with Brazilian authorities to resolve the compliance concerns.

“Once compliance is demonstrated, exports to the EU will be able to resume,” the spokesperson said.

For Brazil’s livestock sector, the suspension creates additional pressure on exporters supplying one of the world’s major high-value food markets. 

It also highlights the importance of demonstrating effective controls over antibiotic use throughout the livestock production and food supply chain.

Trade tensions add pressure

The move comes as agricultural trade remains a sensitive issue in EU-Mercosur relations. 

The EU signed a free trade agreement with Mercosur, comprising Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, in January, despite opposition from some European farmers and the French government.

Agricultural imports, particularly beef and poultry, have been among the most contentious elements of the agreement. 

Critics have argued that imported products should meet production, environmental and sanitary standards comparable to those applied to EU producers.

The European Commission has stressed that the trade agreement does not weaken existing EU food safety requirements.

Brazil is a significant supplier of animal products to the European market. 

It was the EU’s second-largest source of imported beef in 2025, shipping more than 92,000 tonnes worth over €713 million (US$835 million).

The suspension therefore has implications beyond individual exporters, as the EU seeks to balance continued access to global meat supplies with stricter controls on antimicrobial use, food safety and animal production standards.

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