Brazilian Beef Exports To China Suspended
Brazilian beef exports to China were suspended Monday following the confirmation of BSE found in a cow in Mato Grosso state.
According to Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry, shipments of beef have been temporarily suspended in compliance with quarantine and sanitary protocols between Brazil and China. Beef cargoes shipped after May 30 must be returned to producers or redirected to other destinations.
Suspension of beef exports to China was a protocol measure and may be reviewed by Chinese authorities as soon as they are able to review the details of the BSE case.
Brazilian officials confirmed the discovery of a case of “atypical” BSE in a 17-year-old cow on Friday, May 31. After securing the necessary materials for tests, the cow was incinerated. The Agriculture Ministry said no part of the animal entered the food chain, and there are no risks for the population.
The case was considered “atypical” as the animal contracted the neurological disease spontaneously instead of through contaminated meat-and-bone meal.
Brazilian meat producers have faced a string of bad news including export bans since a major food-safety scandal broke two years ago. China is the largest destination for the country’s beef, accounting for about 20% of total shipments.
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