The European Commission has banned imports of Brazilian meat starting Sept. 3, 2026, due to non-compliance of antimicrobial-use regulations. But Irish farmers are calling for an immediate ban on meat from Brazil, given the seriousness of the situation.
The move by the Europeans came after the commission published an updated list of countries that have complied with European Union restrictions on the use of antimicrobials in animals. The use of such substances to promote the growth of livestock is banned in the European Union, and any meat or live-cattle imports into any EU country must abide by the same rules.
The ban happened only a few days after further talks on the Mercosur reduced-tariffs trade deal between the EU and Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Brazil was the only country of the four that was not on the updated list of approved countries complying with the regulations on antimicrobial use. If Brazil can demonstrate it can comply with the rules then it will be allowed to export meat to the EU once again.
Eva Hrncirova, the European Commission’s spokesperson for Health, said, “The commission confirms that Brazil is not included in the list, meaning that it can no longer export to the EU commodities – both food-producing live animals and derived products – such as bovine, equine, poultry, eggs, aquaculture, honey and casings, with effect as from Sept. 3, 2026. Once compliance is demonstrated, the EU will be able to authorize or resume the exports.”
The list of non-EU countries that comply with the rules and are allowed to export has been around since 2024 and is updated regularly.
Irish Farmers Association president Francie Gorman said the move by the EC is an important first step.
Gorman said, “The commission is finally taking the Antibiotic/Anti-Microbial Resistance threat posed by Brazilian beef production somewhat seriously. The Brazilian authorities do not have a good track record of compliance with EU auditors and trade requirements, as evidenced by the finding of the … inspections.
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