Brazilian beef laced with growth hormones - a new EU problem
This issue comes at a sensitive time: a free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur states could enter into force as early as May 1. The European Commission has repeatedly stated that strict EU standards on public health, food safety and environmental protection will be respected for all imported goods. But reality seems to contradict these assurances, writes Ferma.
A recent audit report published by the European Commission revealed serious shortcomings in Brazil’s veterinary and sanitary control system. European inspectors found gaps in the monitoring and traceability of farms. For this reason, animals consuming growth hormones could end up in the export chain to Europe.
However, these drugs have been strictly banned in the EU since 1989 after scientific studies pointed to possible health risks for consumers, including effects on the endocrine system and potential links to certain cancers.
Not an isolated case
The audit report says the problem is not an isolated incident and similar incidents could happen again if control systems are not strengthened.
Under an agreement between the EU and Mercosur, Latin American countries could receive additional export quotas for beef, increasing European farmers’ concerns about the economic impact and food safety standards.
But beef is one of the most sensitive, but not the only, issue to the trade agreement. EU farming communities, especially from France, Ireland and Poland, have warned that South American producers benefit from lower production costs and less stringent regulations, creating unfair competition in the European market.
Logos Press previously reported on an incident involving Argentine sunflower that entered Bulgaria at the end of February this year. Laboratory analyses conducted by the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency showed that the permissible level of residual pesticide content was exceeded.
