Brazilian meat ban remains in place

The Agriculture Ministry yesterday said the temporary restriction remains in place “pending the outcome of ongoing talks with the Brazilian government about its food-safety standards.” The ministry will make a decision to lift the ban “once it is fully satisfied that the affected products — corned beef, chicken patties and chicken nuggets — pose no risk to local consumers.” It added that since the story broke two weeks ago, Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat has sought assurances from the Brazilian authorities via Dr Amery Browne, this country’s ambassador in Brazil, about the safety of corned beef, chicken patties and chicken nuggets made in that country. “Ambassador Browne has held meetings and exchanged correspondence with officials of Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Farming to fully understand the actions being taken by the South American country to restore confidence in its meat-producing sector.” “Additionally, following discussions with our own Ministry of Health, the Chemistry, Food and Drug Division undertook pathogen testing of Brazil- made corned beef, chicken patties and chicken nuggets to rule out contamination and ensure these products meet health standards.The full results of these tests will be revealed once pathogen testing is complete,” the Agriculture Ministry said.

Two weeks ago, the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries stopped issuing import permits for meat products from Brazil and advised the Chemistry, Food and Drug Division of the Ministry of Health to immediately recall from supermarkets and other retail outlets corned beef, chicken patties and chicken nuggets originating from Brazil.

That action followed an investigation by Brazilian authorities that uncovered major meat-processing plants in the country sold rotten beef and poultry for years, while bribing health officials to issue fraudulent inspection reports. Rambharat and officials from the Ministries of Health and Trade subsequently met president of the Supermarket Association Dr Yunus Ibrahim and other Association members, and local importers of corned beef and chicken products from Brazil. The meeting was called to give importers and distributors the opportunity to discuss the recall and have concerns elating to its implementation addressed.