Brazil moves to meet EU antimicrobial rules, seeks to avoid export ban

Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry has tightened export controls for meat and animal derivatives to comply with European Union antimicrobial usage rules, aiming to avoid a suspension of shipments beginning in September. The EU threatened to halt some imports unless Brazil meets requirements by September 3, including banning antimicrobials used to promote animal growth or boost production. A ministry circular dated July 1 requires EU-authorized facilities to implement auditable, traceable controls that preserve evidence for EU-destined batches. Brazil was excluded from a May list of countries authorized to export meat to the EU due to antimicrobial concerns. The EU is a major destination, with Brazilian poultry exports reaching $800 million in 2025 and beef exceeding $1 billion. The risk extends to cattle, poultry, eggs, aquaculture products, honey, and casings.