Russia bans meat from three Brazilian states entered the country

Russia bans meat from three Brazilian states entered the country

According to Rosselkhoznadzor, a technical inspection during April found that none of the inspected plants met Russia's veterinary and sanitary requirements. Temporary restrictions initially placed on Brazilian meat were later lifted after bilateral government negotiations established a working document to address food safety control issues. These involved laboratory testing verification that products shipped to Russia were free of certain substances (O Estado de S. Paulo).

According to Brazilian sources, the recent ban was the result of last week's tightening bilateral negotiations between Russia and Brazil for Russia's access to the World Trade Organization, as Russia is currently offering lower quotas for pork and poultry (Valor Econômico).

The Brazilian Exporters Association has stated that the ban does not have a technical basis, and is another measure to protect the Russian pork and poultry industries.

The ban will be placed on 85 plants, including 24 beef and 20 pork facilities. However, Brazil is still eligible to export from 44 beef plants and it is believed that only two or three plants are small companies which will not be able to switch exports to plants in other states. However, out of the 21 plants authorised to export pork to Russia Brazil-wide, only one in the state of Santa Catarina will remain eligible.

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