On Thursday, 7 November, seven European agricultural organisations called on policymakers to reconsider the EU-Mercosur trade agreement after Brazil recently suspended beef exports from female cattle.
Copa-Cogeca, the Association of Poultry Processors and Poultry Trade in the EU countries (AVEC), and even the European Association of Sugar Manufacturers (CEFS) are worried that a report by the Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) shows “persistent issues” in Brazil where compliance with European food safety standards is concerned, particularly regarding the traceability of banned hormones.
This audit (https://aeur.eu/f/e81 ) highlights major shortcomings with regard to controls on the use of 17β-oestradiol, a growth hormone that is used in Brazil but that has been banned in the EU for over 40 years. Despite this, the European Commission allowed the Brazilian authorities to implement a ‘self-imposed ban’ until they could guarantee hormone-free beef exports to Europe. Risks also weigh on cereals and sugar.
The organisations are concerned about the risks associated with increased imports from Brazil under the Mercosur agreement (a violation of the EU’s strict standards) (see EUROPE 13517/1). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)